17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; 18 For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips. 19 So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have taught you today, even you. 20 Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, 21 To make you know the certainty of the words of truth That you may correctly answer him who sent you?
22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Or crush the afflicted at the gate; 23 For the LORD will plead their case And take the life of those who rob them. 24 Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man, 25 Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself. 26 Do not be among those who give pledges, Among those who become guarantors for debts. 27 If you have nothing with which to pay, Why should he take your bed from under you? 28 Do not move the ancient boundary Which your fathers have set. 29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.