The value of a good name
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A good name is to be chosen over great riches and favor is better than silver and gold.
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Rich and poor people have this in common-Yahweh is the maker of all of them.
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A prudent man sees trouble and hides himself, but the naive go on and suffer because of it.
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The reward for humility and fear of Yahweh is riches, honor, and life.
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Thorns and snares lie in the path of the perverse; whoever guards his life will keep far from them.
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Teach a child the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn away from that instruction.
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Rich people rule over poor people and one who borrows is a slave to the one who lends.
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He who sows injustice will reap trouble and the rod of his fury will fade away.
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The one who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
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Drive away the mocker, and out goes strife; disputes and insults will cease.
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The one who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious, he will have the king for his friend.
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The eyes of Yahweh keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the treacherous.
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The lazy person says, “There is a lion in the street! I will be killed in the open places.”
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The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; Yahweh’s anger is stirred up against anyone who falls into it.
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Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far away.
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The one who oppresses poor people to increase his wealth, or gives to rich people, will come to poverty.
Hear the words of the wise
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Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise and apply your heart to my knowledge,
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for it will be pleasant for you if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
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So your trust may be in Yahweh, I teach them to you today-even to you.
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Have I not written for you thirty sayings of instruction and knowledge,
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to teach you truth in these trustworthy words, so you may give trustworthy answers to those who sent you?
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Do not rob the poor because he is poor, or crush the needy at the gate,
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for Yahweh will plead their case, and he will rob of life those who robbed them.
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Do not make a friend of someone who is ruled by anger and you must not go with one who rages,
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or you will learn his ways and you will take bait for your soul.
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Do not be one who strikes hands in making a pledge, or who puts up security for debts.
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If you lack the means to pay, what could stop someone from taking away your bed from under you?
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Do not remove the ancient boundary stone that your fathers have set.
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Do you see a man skilled at his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before common people.
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