Hear, my son, and accept my sayings,
And the years of your life will be many.

He will not accept any ransom [offered to buy him off from demanding full punishment];
Nor will he be satisfied though you offer him many gifts (bribes).

For she has cast down many [mortally] wounded;
Indeed, all who were killed by her were strong.

The lips of the righteous feed and guide many,
But fools [who reject God and His wisdom] die for lack of understanding.

The poor man is hated even by his neighbor,
But those who love the rich are many.

Without consultation and wise advice, plans are frustrated,
But with many counselors they are established and succeed.

The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin,
But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.

Wealth makes many friends,
But a poor man is separated from his friend.

Many will seek the favor of a generous and noble man,
And everyone is a friend to him who gives gifts.

Many plans are in a man’s mind,
But it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand (be carried out).

Many a man proclaims his own loyalty and goodness,
But who can find a faithful and trustworthy man?

When a land does wrong, it has many princes,
But when the ruler is a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability endures.

He who gives to the poor will never want,
But he who shuts his eyes [from their need] will have many curses.

When the wicked rise [to power], men hide themselves;
But when the wicked perish, the [consistently] righteous increase and become great.

Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for man comes from the Lord.

“Many daughters have done nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness],
But you excel them all.”