1. The wisdom of the poor lifts their head highand sets them among princes.
2. Do not praise anyone for good looks;or despise anyone because of appearance.
3. The bee is least among winged creatures,but it reaps the choicest of harvests.
4. Do not mock the one who wears only a loin-cloth,or scoff at a person’s bitter day.For strange are the deeds of the Lord,hidden from mortals his work.
5. Many are the oppressed who rise to the throne;some that none would consider wear a crown.
6. Many are the exalted who fall into utter disgrace,many the honored who are given into the power of the few.
7. Before investigating, do not find fault;examine first, then criticize.
8. Before listening, do not say a word,interrupt no one in the midst of speaking.
9. Do not dispute about what is not your concern;in the quarrels of the arrogant do not take part.
10. My son, why increase your anxiety,since whoever is greedy for wealth will not be blameless?Even if you chase after it, you will never overtake it;and by fleeing you will not escape.
11. One may work and struggle and drive,and fall short all the same.
12. Others go their way broken-down drifters,with little strength and great misery—Yet the eye of the Lord looks favorably upon them,shaking them free of the stinking mire.
13. He lifts up their heads and exalts themto the amazement of the many.
14. Good and evil, life and death,poverty and riches—all are from the Lord.
17. The Lord’s gift remains with the devout;his favor brings lasting success.