1A good reputation is a much better choice than plenty of money; respect is better than silver and gold.
2The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord created them all.
3If you're sensible you see danger coming and get out of the way; but stupid people just keep going and pay for it.
4The reward you receive for being humble and respecting the Lord is wealth, honor, and life.
5Thorns and traps lie in the path of crooked people; those who value their lives will stay away from them.
6Teach children the right way to live, and when they grow up they'll go on doing so.
7The rich rule the poor, and borrowers are slaves to their lenders.
8Those who sow injustice will reap disaster, and the angry beatings they inflict on others will be stopped.
9If you're generous, you'll be blessed, for you share your food with those in need.
10Get rid of the scornful, and you'll get rid of conflict too—no more arguments or insults!
11Anyone who loves sincerity and a gracious way of speaking will have the king as their friend.
12The Lord watches over true knowledge, but counteracts the words of liars.
13Lazy people make claims like, “There's a lion outside! I might be killed if I go out there!”
14The seductive words of an immoral woman are a dangerous trap—if the Lord's angry with you, then you'll fall right in.
15Children are naturally foolish; physical correction helps them to see sense.
16If you oppress the poor to make yourself rich, or if you're generous to the rich, you'll end up poor yourself.
17Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and think carefully about my teachings—
18for it's good to keep them in mind so you can be ready to share them.
19I'm explaining this to you today so you can trust in the Lord—yes, you!
20Haven't I written down for you thirty sayings of advice and wisdom?
21They are to make it clear to you what's right and true, so you can give a truthful explanation to those who sent you.
22For you shouldn't steal from the poor just because they're poor; and you shouldn't crush those with limited means in court,
23for the Lord will plead their case, and he will take back whatever was stolen from them.
24Don't make friends with someone who gets upset easily; don't associate with angry people,
25in case you learn to be like them and make a mess of your life.
26Don't shake hands and guarantee someone's debt,
27for if you can't pay, why should your bed be taken away from beneath you?
28Don't move ancient boundary markers that your forefathers put in place.
29If you see someone skilled in what they do, they'll work for kings and not for ordinary people.