1No evil will befall someone who fears the Lord,

but in trials such a one will be rescued again and again.

2The wise will not hate the law,

but someone who is hypocritical about it is like a boat in a storm.

3The sensible person will trust in the law;

for such a one the law is as dependable as a divine oracle.

4Prepare what to say, and then you will be listened to;

draw upon your training, and give your answer.

5The heart of a fool is like a cartwheel,

and his thoughts like a turning axle.

6A mocking friend is like a stallion

that neighs no matter who the rider is.

Differences in Nature and in Humankind

7Why is one day more important than another,

when all the daylight in the year is from the sun?

8By the Lord's wisdom they were distinguished,

and he appointed the different seasons and festivals.

9Some days he exalted and hallowed,

and some he made ordinary days.

10All human beings come from the ground,

and humankind33.10 Heb: Gk Adam was created out of the dust.

11In the fullness of his knowledge the Lord distinguished them

and appointed their different ways.

12Some he blessed and exalted,

and some he made holy and brought near to himself;

but some he cursed and brought low,

and turned them out of their place.

13Like clay in the hand of the potter,

to be moulded as he pleases,

so all are in the hand of their Maker,

to be given whatever he decides.

14Good is the opposite of evil,

and life the opposite of death;

so the sinner is the opposite of the godly.

15Look at all the works of the Most High;

they come in pairs, one the opposite of the other.

16Now I was the last to keep vigil;

I was like a gleaner following the grape-pickers;

17by the blessing of the Lord I arrived first,

and like a grape-picker I filled my wine press.

18Consider that I have not laboured for myself alone,

but for all who seek instruction.

19Hear me, you who are great among the people,

and you leaders of the congregation, pay heed!

The Advantage of Independence

20To son or wife, to brother or friend,

do not give power over yourself, as long as you live;

and do not give your property to another,

in case you change your mind and must ask for it.

21While you are still alive and have breath in you,

do not let anyone take your place.

22For it is better that your children should ask from you

than that you should look to the hand of your children.

23Excel in all that you do;

bring no stain upon your honour.

24At the time when you end the days of your life,

in the hour of death, distribute your inheritance.

The Treatment of Slaves

25Fodder and a stick and burdens for a donkey;

bread and discipline and work for a slave.

26Set your slave to work, and you will find rest;

leave his hands idle, and he will seek liberty.

27Yoke and thong will bow the neck,

and for a wicked slave there are racks and tortures.

28Put him to work, in order that he may not be idle,

29for idleness teaches much evil.

30Set him to work, as is fitting for him,

and if he does not obey, make his fetters heavy.

Do not be overbearing towards anyone,

and do nothing unjust.

31If you have but one slave, treat him like yourself,

because you have bought him with blood.

If you have but one slave, treat him like a brother,

for you will need him as you need your life.

32If you ill-treat him, and he leaves you and runs away,

33which way will you go to seek him?