1Do not rely on your wealth, and do not say, “My own hand has the power.”
2Do not rely on your strength to follow the desire of your soul.
3Do not follow your heart and your eyes, to walk in evil desires.
4Do not say, “Who can overcome his power?” for Yahweh seeks justice for the oppressed.
5Do not say, “I have sinned, and what happened to me? Nothing!”—for God is patient.
6Do not say, “Yahweh is compassionate; he will blot out all my iniquities.”
7Do not be so sure of forgiveness that you add iniquity to iniquity.
8And you say, “His mercies are great; for my many iniquities he will grant forgiveness.”
9For mercy and anger are with him, and his indignation rests upon the wicked.
10Do not delay in returning to him, and do not put it off from day to day.
11For his wrath will come forth suddenly, and at the time of vengeance you will perish.
12Do not trust in dishonest riches, for they will not profit you on the day of wrath.
13Do not be one who winnows with every wind, or who takes every forked path.
14Be firm in your conviction, and let your word be one.
15Be quick to listen, and with patience give an answer.
16If you have understanding, answer your neighbor; but if not, put your hand on your mouth.
17Honor and dishonor come through speech, and a person’s tongue is their downfall.
18Do not be called double-tongued, and do not lay a snare with your tongue.
19For shame was created for the thief, and harsh reproach for the double-tongued.
20In small matters and in great, do not be ignorant, and do not become an enemy instead of a friend.
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