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.