1The wisdom of the lowly lifts his head, and seats him among the nobles.
2Do not praise a man for his appearance, nor despise a man for his ugly looks.
3The bee is a small thing among flying creatures, but her fruit is the chief of all produce.
4Do not mock a worn-out garment, and do not scorn those in a bitter day.
5For the works of Yahweh are wonders, and his deeds are hidden from man.
6Many who were crushed have sat on a throne, and one who never came to mind has worn a crown.
7Many who were exalted have been greatly dishonored; the honored have been brought low and given into another’s hand.
8Before you investigate, do not find fault; examine first, and then rebuke.
9My son, do not answer before you hear, and do not speak in the middle of a conversation.
10Do not contend in a matter that gives you no trouble, and in the quarrel of the arrogant, do not get involved.
11My son, why multiply your business? If you multiply it, you will not be held innocent.
12My son, if you do not run, you will not arrive, and if you do not seek, you will not find.
13There is one who toils, labors, and hurries, and is all the more behind.
14There is one who is weak and goes about perishing, lacking everything and abounding in poverty.
15But the eye of Yahweh looked upon him for good, and shook him from the filthy dust.
16He lifted up his head and exalted him, and many were astonished at him.
17Good and evil, life and death, poverty and wealth are from Yahweh.
18Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge of the law are from Yahweh; transgression and straight paths are from him.
19Folly and darkness were created for transgressors, and for evildoers, evil grows up with them.
20The gift of God remains for those who fear him, and his favor will grant success forever.
21There is one who grows rich by his diligence and stinginess, and this is his allotted reward.
22When he says, “I have found rest, and now I will enjoy my goods,”
23he does not know what time will bring; he will leave his wealth to another and die.
24My son, stand by your covenant and be engaged in it, and grow old in your work.
25Do not be amazed at the deeds of the wicked; trust in Yahweh and wait for his light.
26For it is easy in the eyes of Yahweh to suddenly, in an instant, make the poor rich.
27The blessing of God is the lot of the righteous, and at the proper time his hope will blossom.
28Do not say, “I have all I need; what more can be left for me?”
29Do not say, “I have enough; what disaster can befall me?”
30In a day of good things, evil is forgotten; and in a day of evil, good is not remembered.
31An hour of affliction makes one forget luxury, and a person’s end reveals his deeds.
32Before death, call no one blessed, for by his end a person is truly known.
33Do not bring everyone into your house, for many are the snares of the deceitful.
34Take a stranger into your home, and he will stir up trouble for you and estrange you from your own family.
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