17
Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your heart to my knowledge;
18
For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you;
Let them all be fixed upon your lips,
19
So that your trust may be in the LORD;
I have instructed you today, even you.
20
Have I not written to you excellent things
Of counsels and knowledge,
21
p That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth,
q That you may answer words of truth
To those who 1 send to you?
22
Do not rob the r poor because he is poor,
Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;
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s For the LORD will plead their cause,
And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.
24
Make no friendship with an angry man,
And with a t furious man do not go,
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Lest you learn his ways
And set a snare for your soul.
26
u Do not be one of those who 2 shakes hands in a pledge,
One of those who is 3 surety for debts;
27
If you have nothing with which to pay,
Why should he take away your bed from under you?
28
v Do not remove the ancient 4 landmark
Which your fathers have set.
29
Do you see a man who 5 excels in his work?
He will stand before kings;
He will not stand before 6 unknown men.