Because they hated moral knowledge, and did not choose to fear the Lord,

who delight in doing evil, they rejoice in perverse evil;

Keep my commands so that you may live, and obey my instruction as your most prized possession.

for their hearts contemplate violence, and their lips speak harm.

lest they drink and forget what is decreed, and remove from all the poor their legal rights.

Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense, but one who has understanding follows an upright course.

Give her credit for what she has accomplished, and let her works praise her in the city gates.

“To you, O people, I call out, and my voice calls to all mankind.

The one who is lazy becomes poor, but the one who works diligently becomes wealthy.

The one who is wise in heart is called discerning, and kind speech increases persuasiveness.

Bloodthirsty people hate someone with integrity; as for the upright, they seek his life.

Two things I ask from you; do not refuse me before I die:

When a country is rebellious it has many princes, but by someone who is discerning and knowledgeable order is maintained.

What the wicked fears will come on him; what the righteous desire will be granted.

The one who denounces his neighbor lacks wisdom, but the one who has discernment keeps silent.

Speech that heals is like a life-giving tree, but a perverse tongue breaks the spirit.

Through loyal love and truth iniquity is appeased; through fearing the Lord one avoids evil.

A bribe works like a charm for the one who offers it; in whatever he does he succeeds.

The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays calm is discerning.

Fearing the Lord leads to life, and one who does so will live satisfied; he will not be afflicted by calamity.