15. The Lord has pulled up nations by the roots and established humbler ones in their place.
16. The Lord has overthrown empires and completely devastated their lands.
17. He destroyed some of them so completely that they are not even remembered any more.
18. The Creator never intended human beings to be arrogant and violent.
19. Who deserves honour? The human race does, because people fear the Lord. Who does not deserve honour? The human race does not, because people break the Lord's commands.
20. A leader should be honoured by those who follow him, and the Lord honours those who fear him.
22. Rich people, famous people, and poor people all take pride in their fear of the Lord.
23. It is not right to refuse honour to a poor person who is intelligent, and is not right to give honour to a sinner.
24. People of influence, rulers, and judges will be honoured, but none of them is greater than a person who fears the Lord.
25. A slave who is wise will have free citizens serving him; and if they are sensible, they will not resent it.
26. When you do your work, don't make a show of your skill, and don't try to put on an act when you are in trouble.
27. It is better to work and have more than you need than to go about boasting but hungry.