So your poverty will come like an approaching prowler who walks [slowly, but surely]
And your need [will come] like an armed man [making you helpless].

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

The merciful and generous man benefits his soul [for his behavior returns to bless him],
But the cruel and callous man does himself harm.

There is the one who [generously] scatters [abroad], and yet increases all the more;
And there is the one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want and poverty.

The [consistently] righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,
But the stomach of the wicked is in need [of bread].

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance and advantage,
But everyone who acts in haste comes surely to poverty.

He who oppresses or exploits the poor to get more for himself
Or who gives to the rich [to gain influence and favor], will only come to poverty.

Then your poverty will come as a robber,
And your want like an armed man.

He who has an evil and envious eye hurries to be rich
And does not know that poverty will come upon him.

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

Let him drink and forget his poverty
And no longer remember his trouble.