1Blessed is the person whose mouth has not failed him, and who is not stung by the judgment of his heart.
2Blessed is the man whose soul does not shame him, and whose hope has not failed.
3Wealth is not fitting for a small-hearted person, nor gold for a man with an evil eye.
4He who denies himself gathers for another, and a stranger will revel in his goods.
5He who is bad to himself, to whom will he be good? He will find no enjoyment in his own goods.
6There is none worse than he who is bad to himself, and this is the repayment for his own evil.
7Even if he does good, he does it by mistake, and in the end he reveals his wickedness.
8Evil is the man with an envious eye, who turns his face away and despises people.
9To a grudging eye, a portion is too little; he who takes his neighbor’s portion loses his own.
10An evil eye is greedy for bread, and there is strife at his table. A good eye increases bread, and a dry spring will flow with water on the table.
11My son, if you have anything, treat yourself well; yes, if you have, do good to yourself.
12According to your means, be generous. Remember that there is no pleasure in Sheol, and death will not delay; the decree of Sheol has not been told to you.
13Before you die, do good to a friend, and according to your ability, give to him.
14Do not hold back from a good day, and do not let a desirable portion pass you by.
15Will you not leave your wealth to another, and your labor to those who will cast lots for it?
16Give to your brother and be gracious, and indulge yourself, for there is no seeking pleasure in Sheol. And whatever is good to do, do it before God.
17All flesh wears out like a garment; it is an eternal statute that they must surely die.
18Like leaves on a flourishing tree, one falls and another sprouts; so are the generations of flesh and blood, one dies and another is born.
19All his works will surely rot, and the work of his hands will follow after him.
20Blessed is the person who meditates on wisdom, and who reflects on understanding.
21Who sets his heart on her ways and contemplates her paths.
22He goes out after her to search, and watches all her entrances.
23He peers through her window and listens at her doors.
24He camps near her house and fastens his tent peg in her wall.
25He pitches his tent next to her and dwells in a good dwelling.
26He will set his nest in her foliage and lodge among her branches.
27He will take refuge in her shade from the heat and dwell in her shelter.
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