1
My son, don’t deprive the poor of his living.
2
Don’t make a hungry soul sorrowful,
3
Don’t add more trouble to a heart that is provoked.
4
Don’t reject a suppliant in his affliction.
5
Don’t turn your eye away from one who asks.
6
For if he curses you in the bitterness of his soul,
7
Endear yourself to the assembly.
8
Incline your ear to a poor man.
9
Deliver him who is wronged from the hand of him who wrongs him;
10
Be as a father to the fatherless,
11
Wisdom exalts her sons,
12
He who loves her loves life.
13
He who holds her fast will inherit glory. Where[a] he enters, the Lord will bless.
14
Those who serve her minister to the Holy One.
15
He who listens to her will judge the nations.
16
If he trusts her, he will inherit her,
17
For at the first she will walk with him in crooked ways,
18
Then she will return him again to the straight way,
19
If he goes astray, she will forsake him,
20
Watch for the opportunity, and beware of evil.
21
For there is a shame that brings sin,
22
Don’t show partiality, discrediting your soul.
23
Don’t refrain from speaking when it is for safety. [b]Don’t hide your wisdom for the sake of seeming fair.
24
For wisdom will be known by speech,
25
Don’t speak against the truth
26
Don’t be ashamed to confess your sins.
27
Don’t lay yourself down for a fool to tread upon.
28
Strive for the truth to death,
29
Don’t be hasty with your tongue,
30
Don’t be like a lion in your house,
31
Don’t let your hand be stretched out to receive,