[1] A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold. [2] The rich and the poor are all created by the LORD. [3] When you see trouble coming, don't be stupid and walk right into it- be smart and hide. [4] Respect and serve the LORD! Your reward will be wealth, a long life, and honor. [5] Crooks walk down a road full of thorny traps. Stay away from there! [6] Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right. [7] The poor are ruled by the rich, and those who borrow are slaves of moneylenders. [8] Troublemakers get in trouble, and their terrible anger will get them nowhere. [9] The LORD blesses everyone who freely gives food to the poor. [10] Arguments and fights will come to an end, if you chase away those who insult others. [11] The king is the friend of all who are sincere and speak with kindness. [12] The LORD watches over everyone who shows good sense, but he frustrates the plans of deceitful liars. [13] Don't be so lazy that you say, "If I go to work, a lion will eat me!" [14] The words of a bad woman are like a deep pit; if you make the LORD angry, you will fall right in. [15] All children are foolish, but firm correction will make them change. [16] Cheat the poor to make profit or give gifts to the rich- either way you lose. [17] Here are some sayings of people with wisdom, so listen carefully as I teach. [18] You will be glad that you know these sayings and can recite them. [19] I am teaching them today, so that you may trust the LORD. [20] I have written thirty sayings filled with sound advice. [21] You can trust them completely to give you the right words for those in charge of you. [22] Don't take advantage of the poor or cheat them in court. [23] The LORD is their defender, and what you do to them, he will do to you. [24] Don't make friends with anyone who has a bad temper. [25] You might turn out like them and get caught in a trap. [26] Don't guarantee to pay someone else's debt. [27] If you don't have the money, you might lose your bed. [28] Don't move a boundary marker set up by your ancestors. [29] If you do your job well, you will work for a ruler and never be a slave.
