15
Foolishness is tangled up in the heart of a youth; the rod of discipline will drive it away from him.
16
Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich-both lead only to poverty.
Words of the Wise
17 Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge.
18
For it is pleasing if you keep them within you and if they are constantly on your lips.
19
I have instructed you today-even you- so that your confidence may be in the Lord.
20
Haven't I written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge,
21
in order to teach you true and reliable words, so that you may give a dependable report to those who sent you?
22
Don't rob a poor man because he is poor, and don't crush the oppressed at the gate,
23
for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.
24
Don't make friends with an angry man, and don't be a companion of a hot-tempered man,
25
or you will learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.