So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;
Greed takes away the lives of its possessors.

He guards the paths of justice;
And He preserves the way of His saints (believers).

“Do not turn away from her (Wisdom) and she will guard and protect you;
Love her, and she will watch over you.

Take hold of instruction; [actively seek it, grip it firmly and] do not let go.
Guard her, for she is your life.

Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life.

That you may exercise discrimination and discretion (good judgment),
And your lips may reserve knowledge and answer wisely [to temptation].

“But he who fails to find me or sins against me injures himself;
All those who hate me love and court death.”

There is one who pretends to be rich, yet has nothing at all;
Another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

He who is slow to anger has great understanding [and profits from his self-control],
But he who is quick-tempered exposes and exalts his foolishness [for all to see].

Great and priceless treasure is in the house of the [consistently] righteous one [who seeks godly instruction and grows in wisdom],
But trouble is in the income of the wicked one [who rejects the laws of God].

Better is a little with the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the Lord
Than great treasure and trouble with it.

Better is a little with righteousness
Than great income [gained] with injustice.

A man’s gift [given in love or courtesy] makes room for him
And brings him before great men.

A man of great anger will bear the penalty [for his quick temper and lack of self-control];
For if you rescue him [and do not let him learn from the consequences of his action], you will only have to rescue him over and over again.

A good name [earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity] is more desirable than great riches;
And favor is better than silver and gold.

The eyes of the Lord keep guard over knowledge and the one who has it,
But He overthrows the words of the treacherous.

Do not rob the poor because he is poor [and defenseless],
Nor crush the afflicted [by legal proceedings] at the gate [where the city court is held],

Do not be boastfully ambitious and claim honor in the presence of the king,
And do not stand in the place of great men;

When the righteous triumph, there is great glory and celebration;
But when the wicked rise [to prominence], men hide themselves.

A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding and common sense [and his wickedness shortens his days],
But he who hates unjust gain will [be blessed and] prolong his days.