17  ^sIncline your ear, and hear ^tthe words of the wise,

and apply your heart to my knowledge,

18  for it will be ^upleasant if you keep them within you,

if all of them are ready on your lips.

19  That your trust may be in the Lord,

I have made them known to you today, even to you.

20  Have I not written for you thirty sayings

of counsel and knowledge,

21  to make you know what is right and true,

that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

22  ^vDo not rob the poor, because he is poor,

or ^wcrush the afflicted at the gate,

23  for the Lord will ^xplead their cause

and rob of life those who rob them.

24  Make no friendship with a man given to anger,

nor go with a wrathful man,

25  ^ylest you learn his ways

and entangle yourself in a snare.

26  Be not one of those who ^zgive pledges,

who put up security for debts.

27  If you have nothing with which to pay,

why should your bed be taken from under you?

28  ^aDo not move the ancient landmark

that your fathers have set.

29  Do you see a man skillful in his work?

He will stand before kings;

he will not stand before obscure men.