1 Evil will not befall the man who fears the Lord, But in trial He will deliver him again and again.
2 A wise man will not hate the law, But he who pretends to keep it is like a ship in a storm.
3 A man of understanding will trust in the law, And to him the law is trustworthy because it is a divine revelation.
4 Prepare what to say and thus you will be heard. Draw on your training and make your reply.
5 The heart of a fool resembles a wagon wheel, And his reasoning is like a turning axle.
6 A lusty stallion is like a mocking friend; He impregnates every one who sits under him.
7 Why is one day better than another, When all the light of a day in the year is from the sun?
8 They were separated by the knowledge of the Lord, And He changed the seasons and feasts.
9 Some days He exalted and sanctified, And some days He made ordinary.
10 All men are from the ground, For Adam was created from the earth.
11 In the fullness of knowledge the Lord separated them And changed their paths.
12 Some days He blessed and exalted, And some days He sanctified and drew near to Himself. Some days He has cursed and humbled And removed from their place.
13 All His ways are according to His good pleasure. Like clay in a potter's hand, Thus men are in the hand of Him who made them, To render to them according to His judgment.
14 Good is the opposite of evil, and life is the opposite of death. In the same way, a sinner is the opposite of a godly man.
15 Look, therefore, upon all the works of the Most High: They also come in pairs, one the opposite of the other.
16 I kept the last watch like one gleaning after the harvest.
17 By the blessing of the Lord I arrived in time, And like a grape-picker I filled my winepress.
18 Observe well that I did not labor for myself alone, But for all who seek instruction.
19 Hear me, you leaders of the people, And you rulers of the assembly, listen to me.
20 Do not give authority over yourself while you are still living To your son or your wife, nor to your brother or a friend; And do not give your property to another, Lest you change your mind and need to beg for it.
21 While you are still alive and there is breath in you, Do not change places with any one.
22 For it is better that your children should ask from you Than that you should look to the hands of your sons.
23 Be outstanding in all your works; Do not put a blemish on your reputation.
24 On the day when the days of your life are fulfilled, At the time of your death, distribute the inheritance.
25 Fodder, the rod, and a burden are for a donkey, And bread, instruction, and work are for a servant.
26 Make a servant work, and you will find rest; Leave his hands idle and he will seek freedom.
27 Yoke and strap will bend the neck, And racks and tortures are for an evil servant.
28 Put him to work that he may not be idle, For idleness teaches much evil.
29 Set him to the work appropriate for him; And if he is not obedient, put heavy chains on his feet.
30 And do not act superior toward any flesh, And do nothing without judgment.
31 If you own a servant, let him be as yourself, For with your blood you bought him.
32 If you own a servant, treat him as a brother. For you will need him as your own soul.
33 If you treat him badly and he runs away,
34 Which way will you go look for him?