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Chapter 31

The Proper Attitude Toward Riches[a]

Wakefulness over wealth wastes away the flesh,
    and anxiety over it drives away sleep.
Wakeful anxiety banishes slumber;
    more than a serious illness it disturbs repose.
The rich labor to pile up wealth,
    and if they rest, it is to enjoy pleasure;
The poor labor for a meager living,
    and if they ever rest, they become needy.
The lover of gold will not be free from sin;
    whoever pursues money will be led astray by it.
Many have come to ruin for the sake of gold,
    yet destruction lay before their very eyes;(A)
It is a stumbling block for fools;
    any simpleton will be ensnared by it.

Happy the rich person found without fault,
    who does not turn aside after wealth.(B)
Who is he, that we may praise him?
    For he has done wonders among his people.
10 Who has been tested by gold and been found perfect?
    Let it be for him his glory;
Who could have sinned but did not,
    and could have done evil but did not?
11 So his good fortune is secure,
    and the assembly will recount his praises.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. 31:1–11 Solicitude for acquiring wealth and anxiety over preserving it disturb repose and easily lead to sin and ruin (vv. 1–7). Cf. Mt 6:25–34. The rich who have not sinned or been seduced by wealth are worthy of highest praise (vv. 8–11).