1A judge of a people establishes his people, and the rule of an understanding man is well-ordered.
2An unruly king destroys a city, but a city is inhabited through the wisdom of its princes.
3As is the judge of a people, so are his officers; and as is the head of a city, so are its inhabitants.
4In God’s hand is the dominion over every man, and he sets his majesty upon a ruler.
5In God’s hand is the dominion of the world, and he will set a man over it at the proper time.
6For any transgression, do not repay evil to your neighbor, and do not walk in the path of pride.
7Pride is hateful to the Lord and to men, and injustice is an offense to them both.
8A kingdom is transferred from one nation to another on account of violent pride.
9Why is dust and ashes proud, whose body is exalted while he lives?
10A little sickness, and the physician scoffs; a king today, and tomorrow he will fall.
11When a man dies, he inherits maggots and worms, lice and crawling things.
12The beginning of a man’s pride is to turn from God, and his heart turns away from his Maker.
13For the reservoir of arrogance is sin, and its spring gushes forth depravity.
14Therefore God filled his heart with affliction, and struck him until he was finished.
15God overturned the thrones of the proud, and seated the humble in their place.
16God obliterated the tracks of nations, and tore up their roots from the earth.
17He plucked them from the land and tore them out, and made their memory cease from the earth.
18Arrogance is not fitting for a mortal, nor is fierce anger for one born of woman.
19What is an honored seed? The seed of man. An honored seed is one that fears God; an honored seed is one that keeps the commandments.
20What is a despised seed? The seed of man. A despised seed is one that transgresses the commandments.
21Among brothers their leader is honored, and those who fear God are honored in his eyes.
22Sojourner and stranger, foreigner and poor—their glory is the fear of God.
23Do not despise an intelligent poor person, nor honor a wicked person who is exalted.
24Noble, ruler, and judge are honored, but none is greater than one who fears God.
25An intelligent servant is exalted, but a foolish servant will not complain.
26Do not be too clever to do your work, and do not seek glory in your time of need.
27Better is one who works and has plenty, than one who glorifies himself and lacks bread.
28My son, in humility honor yourself, and give yourself the honor you deserve.
29Who will justify one who condemns himself? And who will honor one who dishonors himself?
30A poor person may be honored for his intelligence, and a rich person may be honored for his wealth.
31He who is glorified in poverty, how much more in wealth? And he who is dishonored in wealth, how much more in poverty?
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