17
1Incline your ear, and hear 2the words of the wise, 3and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18
for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
19
That your trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to you today, even to you.
20
Have I not written for you 4thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21
to 5make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
22
6Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or 7crush the afflicted at 8the gate,
23
for 9the LORD will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them.
24
Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man,
25
lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
26
Be not one of those who 10give pledges, who put up security for debts.
27
If you have nothing with which to pay, why should 11your bed be taken from under you?
28
Do not move the ancient 12landmark that your fathers have set.
29
Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will 13stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.