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.
18. Some become rich through a miser’s life,and this is their allotted reward:
19. When they say: “I have found rest,now I will feast on my goods,”They do not know how long it will betill they die and leave them to others.
20. My child, stand by your agreement and attend to it,grow old while doing your work.
21. Do not marvel at the works of a sinner,but trust in the Lord and wait for his light;For it is easy in the eyes of the Lordsuddenly, in an instant, to make the poor rich.
22. God’s blessing is the lot of the righteous,and in due time their hope bears fruit.
23. Do not say: “What do I need?What further benefits can be mine?”
24. Do not say: “I am self-sufficient.What harm can come to me now?”
25. The day of prosperity makes one forget adversity;the day of adversity makes one forget prosperity.