1Students, if the poor

work for you,

don't cheat on their wages,

but pay them right away.

2Don't disappoint the hungry

or upset the needy.

3And if they are upset already,

don't make things worse

by being slow in giving them

what they need.

4When people ask for help,

don't turn them down;

and if others are in need,

don't turn away.

5If you pretend not to notice,

they will have good reason

to curse you.

6And if their curses flow

from hearts you made bitter,

God, the Creator, will hear them

and do what they ask.

7Be friendly to everyone

in the community

and show proper respect

to the town leaders.

8When the poor greet you,

be polite and greet them

in return.

9Rescue everyone

who suffers from injustice;

have the courage

to make the right decisions;

10provide for orphans and widows,

as if they were your own

children or wife.

Then you will be a true child

of God Most High,

and he will love you more

than your own mother does.

Love and Obey Wisdom

11If you study Wisdom,

you will become her child,

and she will help you

be successful.

12If you love life

and want to find happiness,

love Wisdom enough

to get up early and study.

13Hold tightly to her--

you will receive glory,

and the Lord will bless

everyone around you.

14To obey her is to worship

the Holy Lord God,

and if you love Wisdom,

the Lord will love you.

15Pay attention and obey Wisdom;

you will live in safety

and even rule nations.

16Remain faithful to her,

and she will belong to you

and your descendants.

17At first, Wisdom will test you

with her commands,

and you will walk in fear

along twisting pathways.

Her discipline

will bring suffering

until you are truly faithful.

18But then she will return

straight to you,

bringing happiness

and telling her secrets.

19But if you wander away,

she will let you go off

to your doom.

How To Live Wisely

20Be on your guard against evil,

but use every opportunity

for doing good.

And don't be ashamed

of who you are.

21To be ashamed of your sins

leads to forgiveness

and honor,

but some other kinds of shame

are sins themselves.

22If you play favorites

or let bullies push you around,

you will get hurt.

23If you can make things right

by speaking up, then do so.

Don't let the opinions of others

make you hide your wisdom.

24If your wisdom and knowledge

are to make any difference,

you will have to speak.

25Don't ever try

to make the truth seem false,

but always be humble

about things you don't know.

26Don't try to hide your sins

from God--

it would be easier

to stop a river from flowing.

27Never promise to obey a fool,

and don't play favorites

while a ruler is watching.

28And even if you risk your life

fighting for truth,

the Lord God will be there,

fighting by your side.

29Don't be arrogant

in what you say,

or slow and weak

in what you do.

30When you are at home,

don't be fierce as a lion

or suspicious of servants.

31 Don't hold out your hand

when it's time to receive,

then close your fist

when it's time to give.