1 Wisdom lifts up the head of him that is of low degree, and makes him to sit amongst great men. 2 Commend not a man for his beauty; neither abhor a man for his outward appearance. 3 The bee is little amongst such as fly; but her fruit is the chief of sweet things. 4 Boast not of your clothing and raiment, and exalt not yourself in the day of honour: for the works of the Lord are wonderful, and his works amongst men are hidden. 5 Many kings have sat down upon the ground; and one that was never thought of has worn the crown. 6 Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced; and the honourable delivered into other men's hands. 7 Blame not before you have examined the truth: understand first, and then rebuke. 8 Answer not before you have heard the cause: neither interrupt men in the midst of their talk. 9 Strive not in a matter that concerns you not; and sit not in judgement with sinners. 10 My son, meddle not with many matters: for if you meddle much, you shall not be innocent; and if you follow after, you shall not obtain, neither shall you escape by fleeing. 11 There is one that labores, and takes pains, and makes haste, and is so much the more behind. 12 Again, there is another that is slow, and has need of help, lacking ability, and full of poverty; yet the eye of the Lord looked upon him for good, and set him up from his low estate, 13 And lifted up his head from misery; so that many that saw from him is peace over all the 14 Prosperity and adversity, life and death, poverty and riches, come of the Lord. 15 Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the law, are of the Lord: love, and the way of good works, are from him. 16 Error and darkness had their beginning together with sinners: and evil shall wax old with them that glory therein. 17 The gift of the Lord remains with the ungodly, and his favour brings prosperity for ever. 18 There is that waxes rich by his wariness and pinching, and this his the portion of his reward: 19 Whereas he says, I have found rest, and now will eat continually of my goods; and yet he knows not what time shall come upon him, and that he must leave those things to others, and die. 20 Be stedfast in your covenant, and be conversant therein, and wax old in your work. 21 Marvel not at the works of sinners; but trust in the Lord, and abide in your labour: for it is an easy thing in the sight of the Lord on the sudden to make a poor man rich. 22 The blessing of the Lord is in the reward of the godly, and suddenly he makes his blessing flourish. 23 Say not, What profit is there of my service? and what good things shall I have hereafter? 24 Again, say not, I have enough, and possess many things, and what evil shall I have hereafter? 25 In the day of prosperity there is a forgetfulness of affliction: and in the day of affliction there is no more remembrance of prosperity. 26 For it is an easy thing to the Lord in the day of death to reward a man according to his ways. 27 The affliction of an hour makes a man forget pleasure: and in his end his deeds shall be revealed. 28 Judge none blessed before his death: for a man shall be known in his children. 29 Bring not every man into your house: for the deceitful man has many trains. 30 Like as a partridge taken and kept in a cage, so is the heart of the proud; and like as a spy, watches he for your fall: 31 For he lies in wait, and turns good into evil, and in things worthy praise will lay blame upon you. 32 Of a spark of fire a heap of coals is kindled: and a sinful man lays wait for blood. 33 Take heed of a mischievous man, for he works wickedness; lest he bring upon you a perpetual blot. 34 Receive a stranger into your house, and he will disturb you, and turn you out of your own.