Dual Panel1A good name is more to be desired than great riches; esteem is better than silver or gold.
2Rich and poor have this in common: the LORD made them both.
3A shrewd person sees trouble coming and lies low; the simpleton walks straight into it and pays the penalty.
4The fruit of humility is the fear of God with riches and honour and life.
5Snares and pitfalls lie in the path of the crooked; the cautious person will steer clear of them.
6Start a child on the right road, and even in old age he will not leave it.
7The rich lord it over the poor; the borrower becomes the lender's slave.
8Whoever sows injustice will reap trouble; the rod of God's wrath will destroy him.
9One who is kindly will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
10Banish the insolent, and strife goes too; discord and disgrace are ended.
11The LORD loves a person to be sincere; by attractive speech a king's friendship is won.
12The LORD keeps watch over every claim at law, and upsets the perjurer's case.
13The sluggard protests, “There is a lion outside; I shall be killed if I go on the street.”
14The mouth of an adulteress is like a deep pit; he whom the LORD has cursed will fall into it.
15Folly is deep-rooted in the hearts of children; a good beating will drive it out of them.
16Oppression of the poor brings gain, but giving to the rich leads only to penury.
Thirty wise sayings
17PAY heed and listen to the sayings of the wise, and apply your mind to the knowledge I impart;
18to keep them in your heart will give pleasure, and then you will always have them ready on your lips.
19I would have you trust in the LORD and so I make these things known to you now.
20Here I have written out for you thirty sayings, full of knowledge and wise advice,
21to impart to you a knowledge of the truth, that you may take back a true report to him who sent you.
22Never rob anyone who is helpless because he is helpless, nor ill-treat a poor wretch in court;
23for the LORD will take up their cause and rob of life those who rob them.
24Never make friends with someone prone to anger, nor keep company with anyone hot-tempered;
25be careful not to learn his ways and find yourself caught in a trap.
26Never be one to give guarantees, or to pledge yourself as surety for another;
27for if you cannot pay, beware: your very bed will be taken from under you.
28Do not move the ancient boundary stone which your ancestors set up.
29You see an artisan skilful at his craft: he will serve kings, not common men.