| 1 No evil can harm the man who fears the LORD; through trials, again and again he is safe. |
| 2 He who hates the law is without wisdom, and is tossed about like a boat in a storm. |
| 3 The prudent man trusts in the word of the LORD, and the law is dependable for him as a divine oracle. |
| 4 Prepare your words and you will be listened to; draw upon your training, and then give your answer. |
| 5 Like the wheel of a cart is the mind of a fool; his thoughts revolve in circles. |
| 6 A fickle friend is like the stallion that neighs, no matter who the rider. |
| 7 Why is one day more important than another, when it is the sun that lights up every day? |
| 8 It is due to the LORD'S wisdom that they differ; it is through him the seasons and feasts come and go. |
| 9 Some he dignifies and sanctifies, and others he lists as ordinary days. |
| 10 So too, all men are of clay, for from earth man was formed; |
| 11 Yet with his great knowledge the LORD makes men unlike; in different paths he has them walk. |
| 12 Some he blesses and makes great, some he sanctifies and draws to himself. Others he curses and brings low, and expels them from their place. |
| 13 Like clay in the hands of a potter, to be molded according to his pleasure, So are men in the hands of their Creator, to be assigned by him their function. |
| 14 As evil contrasts with good, and death with life, so are sinners in contrast with the just; |
| 15 See now all the works of the Most High: they come in pairs, the one the opposite of the other. |
| 16 Now I am the last to keep vigil, like a gleaner after the vintage; |
| 17 Since by the LORD'S blessing I have made progress till like a vintager I have filled my wine press, |
| 18 I would inform you that not for myself only have I toiled, but for every seeker after wisdom. |
| 19 Listen to me, O leaders of the multitude; O rulers of the assembly, give ear! |
| 20 Let neither son nor wife, neither brother nor friend, have power over you as long as you live. |
| 21 While breath of life is still in you, let no man have dominion over you. Give not to another your wealth, lest then you have to plead with him; |
| 22 Far better that your children plead with you than that you should look to their generosity. |
| 23 Keep control over all your affairs; let no one tarnish your glory. |
| 24 When your few days reach their limit, at the time of death distribute your inheritance. |
| 25 Fodder and whip and loads for an ass; the yoke and harness and the rod of his master. |
| 26 Make a slave work and he will look for his rest; let his hands be idle and he will seek to be free. |
| 27 Food, correction and work for a slave; and for a wicked slave, punishment in the stocks. |
| 28 Force him to work that he be not idle, for idleness is an apt teacher of mischief. |
| 29 Put him to work, for that is what befits him; if he becomes unruly, load him with chains. |
| 30 But never lord it over any human being, and do nothing unjust. |
| 31 If you have but one slave, treat him like yourself, for you have acquired him with your life's blood; |
| 32 If you have but one slave, deal with him as a brother, for you need him as you need your life: |
| 33 If you mistreat him and he runs away, in what direction will you look for him? |