Dual PanelThe value of a good reputation
1A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold.
2The rich and the poor are all created by the Lord.
3When you see trouble coming, don't be stupid and walk right into it— be clever and hide.
4Respect and serve the Lord! Your reward will be wealth, a long life, and honour.
5Crooks walk down a road full of thorny traps. Stay away from there!
6Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right.
7The poor are ruled by the rich, and those who borrow are slaves of moneylenders.
8Troublemakers get in trouble, and their terrible anger will get them nowhere.
9The Lord blesses everyone who freely gives food to the poor.
10Arguments and fights will come to an end, if you chase away those who insult others.
11The king is the friend of all who are sincere and speak with kindness.
12The Lord watches over everyone who shows good sense, but he frustrates the plans of deceitful liars.
13Don't be so lazy that you say, “If I go to work, a lion will eat me!”
14The words of a bad woman are like a deep pit; if you make the Lord angry, you will fall right in.
15All children are foolish, but firm correction will make them change.
16Cheat the poor to make profit or give gifts to the rich— either way you lose.
Thirty wise sayings
17 Here are some sayings of people with wisdom, so listen carefully as I teach.
18You will be glad that you know these sayings and can recite them.
19I am teaching them today, so that you may trust the Lord.
20I have written thirty sayings filled with sound advice.
21You can trust them completely to give you the right words for those in charge of you.
—1—
22 Don't take advantage of the poor or cheat them in court.
23The Lord is their defender, and what you do to them, he will do to you.
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24 Don't make friends with anyone who has a bad temper.
25You might turn out like them and get caught in a trap.
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26 Don't guarantee to pay someone else's debt.
27If you don't have the money, you might lose your bed.
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28 Don't move a boundary marker set up by your ancestors.
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29 If you do your job well, you will work for a ruler and never be a slave.