Study Desk

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.^(a)

Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.^(b)

The prudent see danger and take refuge,^(c) but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.^(d)

Humility is the fear of the Lord ; its wages are riches and honor^(e) and life.^(f)

In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,^(g) but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

Start^(h) children off on the way they should go,⁽ⁱ⁾ and even when they are old they will not turn from it.^(j)

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.

Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity,^(k) and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.^(l)

The generous will themselves be blessed,^(m) for they share their food with the poor.⁽ⁿ⁾

Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.^(o)

One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.^(p)

The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

The sluggard says, "There's a lion outside!^(q) I'll be killed in the public square!"

The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit;^(r) a man who is under the Lord 's wrath falls into it.^(s)

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.^(t)

One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

Thirty Sayings of the Wise

Saying 1

Pay attention^(u) and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;^(v) apply your heart to what I teach,^(w)

for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.

So that your trust may be in the Lord , I teach you today, even you.

Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,

teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,^(x) so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve?

Saying 2

Do not exploit the poor^(y) because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,^(z)

for the Lord will take up their case^(aa) and will exact life for life.^(ab)

Saying 3

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered,

or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.^(ac)

Saying 4

Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge^(ad) or puts up security for debts;

if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.^(ae)

Saying 5

Do not move an ancient boundary stone^(af) set up by your ancestors.

Saying 6

Do you see someone skilled^(ag) in their work? They will serve^(ah) before kings;^(ai) they will not serve before officials of low rank.