Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you.

Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,

for they will provide a long and full life, and they will add well-being to you.

Listen, my child, and accept my words, so that the years of your life will be many.

Go to the ant, you sluggard; observe its ways and be wise!

For because of me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage, but if you are a mocker, you alone must bear it.

Leave the presence of a foolish person, or you will not understand wise counsel.

Do not say, “I will pay back evil!” Wait for the Lord, so that he may vindicate you.

If you do not have enough to pay, your bed will be taken right out from under you!

for with guidance you wage your war, and with numerous advisers there is victory.

Do not say to your neighbor, “Go! Return tomorrow and I will give it,” when you have it with you at the time.

Establish your work outside and get your fields ready; afterward build your house.

for it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than to put you lower before a prince, whom your eyes have seen.

for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

then, my child, do this in order to deliver yourself, because you have fallen into your neighbor’s power: go, humble yourself, and appeal firmly to your neighbor.

for he is like someone calculating the cost in his mind. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you;