1 The wisdom of the lowly will lift up his head,
2 Don’t commend a man for his good looks.
3 The bee is little amongst flying creatures,
4 Don’t boast about the clothes you wear,
5 Many kings have sat down upon the ground,ᵃᵇ
6 Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced.
7 Don’t blame before you investigate.
8 Don’t answer before you have heard.
9 Don’t argue about a matter that doesn’t concern you.
10 My son, don’t be busy about many matters;
11 There is one who toils, labours, and hurries,
12 There is one who is sluggish, and needs help,
13 and lifted up his head
14 Good things and bad, life and death,
17 The Lord’s gift remains with the godly.
18 One grows rich by his diligence and self-denial,
19 when he says, “I have found rest,
20 Be steadfast in your covenant and be doing it,
21 Don’t marvel at the works of a sinner,
22 The Lord’s blessing is in the reward of the godly.
23 Don’t say, “What use is there of me?
24 Don’t say, “I have enough.
25 In the day of good things, bad things are forgotten.
26 For it is an easy thing in the sight of the Lord
27 The affliction of an hour causes delights to be forgotten.
28 Call no man happy before his death.
29 Don’t bring every man into your house,
30 Like a decoy partridge in a cage, so is the heart of a proud man.
31 For he lies in wait to turn things that are good into evil,
32 From a spark of fire, a heap of many coals is kindled,
33 Take heed of an evil-doer, for he plans wicked things,
34 Receive a stranger into your house, and he will distract you with arguments