17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. |
18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. |
19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. |
20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, |
21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? |
22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: |
23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. |
24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: |
25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. |
26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. |
27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? |
28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. |
29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. |