15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
    but (A)the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16 Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,
    or gives to the rich, (B)will only come to poverty.

Words of the Wise

17 (C)Incline your ear, and hear (D)the words of the wise,
    (E)and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
    if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 That your trust may be in the Lord,
    I have made them known to you today, even to you.
20 Have I not written for you (F)thirty sayings
    of counsel and knowledge,
21 to (G)make you know what is right and true,
    that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

22 (H)Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
    or (I)crush the afflicted at (J)the gate,
23 for (K)the Lord will plead their cause
    and rob of life those who rob them.
24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger,
    nor go with a wrathful man,
25 lest you learn his ways
    and entangle yourself in a snare.

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