17. Listen (consent and submit) to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge;
18. For it will be pleasant if you keep them in your mind [believing them]; your lips will be accustomed to [confessing] them.
19. So that your trust (belief, reliance, support, and confidence) may be in the Lord, I have made known these things to you today, even to you.
20. Have I not written to you [long ago] excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
21. To make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you? [Luke 1:3, 4.]
22. Rob not the poor [being tempted by their helplessness], neither oppress the afflicted at the gate [where the city court is held], [Exod. 23:6; Job 31:16, 21.]
23. For the Lord will plead their cause and deprive of life those who deprive [the poor or afflicted]. [Zech. 7:10; Mal. 3:5.]
24. Make no friendships with a man given to anger, and with a wrathful man do not associate,
25. Lest you learn his ways and get yourself into a snare.
26. Be not one of those who strike hands and pledge themselves, or of those who become security for another's debts.