7
Before you start criticizing, get your facts straight and think the matter through.
8
Don't interrupt while someone is speaking; hear what he has to say before you answer.
9
Don't get into an argument over something that is none of your business. Don't take part in decisions that are being made by sinners.
10
My child, don't get involved in too many things. If you try to do too much, you will suffer for it. You won't be able to finish your work, and you won't be able to get away from it either.
11
For instance, here is someone who never stops working like a slave, but gets further behind all the time.
12
On the other hand, someone else may be very poor and not up to his task. He may be slow, and he may need help, but the Lord is pleased with him and pulls him out of his bad situation.
13
When he is back on his feet again, everyone is astounded.
14
Everything comes from the Lord: success and failure, poverty and wealth, life and death.
15
Wisdom, understanding, knowledge of the Law, love, and the doing of good deeds - all these come from the Lord.
16
Error and darkness have been with sinners from the beginning, and those who enjoy evil will have it with them into their old age.
17
The Lord's gifts to religious people are gifts that endure. If he approves of you, you will always be successful.