15
Folly is bound up in the heart of a boy, but the rod of discipline drives it far away.
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Oppressing the poor in order to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich, will lead only to loss.
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The words of the wise: Incline your ear and hear my words, and apply your mind to my teaching;
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for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
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So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today—yes, to you.
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Have I not written for you thirty sayings of admonition and knowledge,
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to show you what is right and true, so that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
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Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate;
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for the Lord pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them.
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Make no friends with those given to anger, and do not associate with hotheads,
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or you may learn their ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
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Do not be one of those who give pledges, who become surety for debts.
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If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
28
Do not remove the ancient landmark that your ancestors set up.