For I give you good doctrine;
Do not turn away from my instruction.

The way of the wicked is like [deep] darkness;
They do not know over what they stumble.

My son, be attentive to my wisdom [godly wisdom learned by costly experience],
Incline your ear to my understanding;

But when he is found, he must repay seven times [what he stole];
He must give all the property of his house [if necessary to meet his fine].

The lips of the righteous know (speak) what is acceptable,
But the mouth of the wicked knows (speaks) what is perverted (twisted).

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.

If the righteous will be rewarded on the earth [with godly blessings],
How much more [will] the wicked and the sinner [be repaid with punishment]!

Righteous lips are the delight of kings,
And he who speaks right is loved.

Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,
When he has no common sense or even a heart for it?

Even a boy is known and distinguished by his acts,
Whether his conduct is pure and right.

When you sit down to dine with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is [set] before you;

Do not rush out to argue your case [before magistrates or judges];
Otherwise what will you do in the end [when your case is lost and]
When your neighbor (opponent) humiliates you?

Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may bring.

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold [to separate the impurities of the metal],
And each is tested by the praise given to him [and his response to it, whether humble or proud].

Who has ascended into heaven and descended?
Who has gathered the wind in His fists?
Who has bound the waters in His garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is His name, and what is His Son’s name?
Certainly you know!

What, O my son?
And what, O son of my womb?
And what [shall I advise you], O son of my vows?

Otherwise they drink and forget the law and its decrees,
And pervert the rights and justice of all the afflicted.