9A generous man will himself be blessed,

for he shares his food with the poor.

10Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;

quarrels and insults are ended.

11He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious

will have the king for his friend.

12The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,

but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

13The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!”

or, “I will be murdered in the streets!”

14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit;

he who is under the Lord’s wrath will fall into it.

15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,

but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

16He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth

and he who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

Sayings of the Wise

17Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise;

apply your heart to what I teach,

18for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart

and have all of them ready on your lips.

19So that your trust may be in the Lord,

I teach you today, even you.

20Have I not written thirty^b sayings for you,

sayings of counsel and knowledge,

21teaching you true and reliable words,

so that you can give sound answers

to him who sent you?

22Do not exploit the poor because they are poor

and do not crush the needy in court,

23for the Lord will take up their case

and will plunder those who plunder them.

24Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man,

do not associate with one easily angered,

25or you may learn his ways

and get yourself ensnared.

26Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge

or puts up security for debts;

27if you lack the means to pay,

your very bed will be snatched from under you.

28Do not move an ancient boundary stone

set up by your forefathers.

29Do you see a man skilled in his work?

He will serve before kings;

he will not serve before obscure men.