1My son, do not mock the life of the poor, and do not grieve the soul of the afflicted and bitter.
2Do not vex a languishing, needy soul, and do not ignore one who is crushed in spirit.
3Do not add to the inner turmoil of the poor, and do not pain the heart of the needy.
4Do not withhold a gift from your poor, do not despise the requests of the needy, and do not give him occasion to curse you.
5For when he cries out in the bitterness of his soul’s pain, his Rock will hear the voice of his cry.
6Make yourself beloved to the congregation, and to a ruler, bow your head.
7Incline your ear to the poor, and answer him peacefully with humility.
8Rescue the oppressed from his oppressor, and do not be short-tempered in righteous judgment.
9Be like a father to orphans, and in the place of a husband to widows.
10Then God will call you a son; he will be gracious to you and deliver you from the pit.
11Wisdom has taught her sons, and she instructs all who understand her.
12Those who love her love life, and those who seek her obtain favor from Yahweh.
13Those who hold her fast will find honor from Yahweh, and they will be favored with the blessing of Yahweh.
14Her servants serve the Holy One, and God loves her dwelling place.
15He who hears me will judge with truth, and he who listens to me will be favored in my inner chambers.
16For at first I will walk with him as a stranger, and I will test him with trials.
17Until the time his heart trusts in me, then I will return to guide him and reveal my secrets to him.
18If he turns aside, I will lead him astray and bind him in fetters.
19If he turns away from me, I will cast him off and hand him over to robbers.
20My son, observe the time and the crowd, and be wary of evil; and concerning yourself, do not be ashamed.
21For there is a shame that brings iniquity, and there is a shame that is honor and grace.
22Do not show partiality against yourself, and do not stumble at your own downfall.
23Do not refrain from speaking in the world, and do not hide your wisdom.
24For by speech wisdom is known, and understanding by the answer of the tongue.
25Do not refuse God, and submit to God.
26Do not be ashamed to turn from iniquity, and do not stand against a torrent.
27Do not submit yourself to a fool, and do not show partiality before rulers.
28Do not sit with an unjust judge, for you will judge with him according to his will.
29Contend for righteousness until death, and Yahweh will fight for you.
30Do not be called two-faced, and do not be a slanderer with your tongue.
31Do not be arrogant in your speech, nor lazy and slack in your work.
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