For they can’t sleep
unless they have done what is evil;
they are robbed of sleep
unless they make someone stumble.

My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor
or entered into an agreement with a stranger,

you have been trapped by the words of your lips—
ensnared by the words of your mouth.

Do this, then, my son, and free yourself,
for you have put yourself in your neighbor’s power:
Go, humble yourself, and plead with your neighbor.

I, Wisdom, share a home with shrewdness
and have knowledge and discretion.

I possess good advice and competence;
I have understanding and strength.

“Come, eat my bread,
and drink the wine I have mixed.

Better to be dishonored, yet have a servant,
than to act important but have no food.

The one who works his land will have plenty of food,
but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.

The wicked desire what evil men have,
but the root of the righteous produces fruit.

Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.

From the words of his mouth,
a man will enjoy good things,
but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.

In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence
and his children have a refuge.

The wicked one is thrown down by his own sin,
but the righteous one has a refuge in his death.

Why does a fool have money in his hand
with no intention of buying wisdom?

A person with great anger bears the penalty;
if you rescue him, you’ll have to do it again.

Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
I am cleansed from my sin”?

Don’t love sleep, or you will become poor;
open your eyes, and you’ll have enough to eat.

The rich and the poor have this in common:
the Lord made them both.

I have instructed you today—even you—
so that your confidence may be in the Lord.

Haven’t I written for you thirty sayings
about counsel and knowledge,

If you have no money to pay,
even your bed will be taken from under you.

and put a knife to your throat
if you have a big appetite;

For then you will have a future,
and your hope will never fade.

Let your father and mother have joy,
and let her who gave birth to you rejoice.

realize that wisdom is the same for you.
If you find it, you will have a future,
and your hope will never fade.

For the evil have no future;
the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

The one who works his land
will have plenty of food,
but whoever chases fantasies
will have his fill of poverty.

A faithful man will have many blessings,
but one in a hurry to get rich
will not go unpunished.

The poor and the oppressor have this in common:
the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

I have not gained wisdom,
and I have no knowledge of the Holy One.

Otherwise, I might have too much
and deny You, saying, “Who is the Lord?”
or I might have nothing and steal,
profaning the name of my God.

locusts have no king,
yet all of them march in ranks;

If you have been foolish by exalting yourself
or if you’ve been scheming,
put your hand over your mouth.

Speak up for those who have no voice,
for the justice of all who are dispossessed.