1
Happy are those who haven't slipped in their speech and who haven't been stabbed with pain for their sins.
2
Happy are those whose spirit hasn't condemned them, and who haven't given up their hope.
On wealth
3 Wealth isn't good for a mean person. What use is money to a begrudging person?
4
Those who deny themselves collect for others, and others will live luxuriously with their goods.
5
Those who are evil to themselves, to whom will they be good? They will never enjoy their money.
6
There are none worse than those who begrudge themselves, and this is the payback for their wickedness:
7
If they do good, they do it without being aware, and in the end they reveal their wickedness.
8
The miserly are evil; they turn their face away and disregard people.
9
Those who have greedy eyes are never satisfied with their share, and evil injustice withers their soul.
10
Envious people are even begrudging when it comes to bread, and it's lacking on their table.
11
My child, treat yourself well according to what you have, and bring offerings to the Lord that are worthy.
12
Remember that death won't delay, and the decree of the grave hasn't been shown to you.
13
Before you die, treat your friends well. According to your ability, reach out, and give to them.
14
Enjoy a good day, and don't let your share of a good desire pass you by.
15
Won't you end up leaving behind to another what you have worked so hard for? Won't the things you have toiled for end up being divided by lot?
16
Give, take, and distract yourself, because you can't search for luxury in the grave.
17
All flesh grows old like a garment; the ancient decree is, "You will certainly die!"
18
Like a budding leaf on a leafy tree, it sheds some and it puts forth others; so is a generation of flesh and blood; one dies, and another is born.
19
All deeds decay and cease, and those who do them will pass away with them.
Seeking Wisdom brings happiness
20 Happy are those who meditate on Wisdom and who reason intelligently.
21
Those who consider her ways in their hearts will also reflect on her secrets.
22
Pursue her like a hunter, and lie in wait by her paths.
23
Those who peer into her windows will also listen at her doorways.
24
Those who lodge near her house will also fasten a tent peg in her walls.
25
They will pitch their tent close at hand and will find accommodation in a lodging place full of good things.
26
They will put their children under her shelter, and will encamp under her branches.
27
She will shelter them from the heat, and they will dwell in her glory.