¹⁵ The wealth of rich people is like a city that makes them feel safe.
    But having nothing destroys those who are poor.

²⁰ Poor people are avoided even by their neighbors.
    But rich people have many friends.

¹¹ The wealth of rich people is like a city that makes them feel safe.
    They think of it as a city with walls that can’t be climbed.

²³ Poor people beg for mercy.
    But rich people answer in a mean way.

² The Lord made rich people and poor people.
    That’s what they have in common.

⁷ Rich people rule over those who are poor.
    Borrowers are slaves to lenders.

¹⁶ You might treat poor people badly or give gifts to rich people.
    Trying to get rich in these ways will instead make you poor.

⁶ It is better to be poor and live without blame
    than to be rich and follow a crooked path.

¹¹ Rich people may think they are wise.
    But a poor person with understanding knows that rich people are fooling themselves.