¹⁵ The wealth of the rich is their fortress;
    the poverty of the poor is their destruction.

¹¹ The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;
    they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.

⁷ The relatives of the poor despise them;
    how much more will their friends avoid them!
Though the poor plead with them,
    their friends are gone.

⁷ “Look what happens to mighty warriors
    who do not trust in God.
They trust their wealth instead
    and grow more and more bold in their wickedness.”

²⁰ The poor are despised even by their neighbors,
    while the rich have many “friends.”

¹² Wisdom and money can get you almost anything,
    but only wisdom can save your life.

²² Don’t rob the poor just because you can,
    or exploit the needy in court.
²³ For the Lord is their defender.
    He will ruin anyone who ruins them.