Keep falsehood and lying far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but simply provide me with the food that I need. | First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. |
Speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves, and defend the rights of the destitute. | Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. |
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Speak out and pronounce righteous judgments; defend the rights of the wretched and the poor. | Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. |
Who can find a worthy wife? She is far more precious than pearls. | Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. |
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. | Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. |
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools are those who despise wisdom and instruction. | Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. |
If you would seriously consider my reproof, I would pour out my thoughts to you and make my precepts known to you. | Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. |
For the Lord himself is the one who bestows wisdom; from his mouth come forth knowledge and understanding. | For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. |
He reserves his wisdom for the upright and is a shield to those who lead blameless lives. | He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. |
For he guards the paths of justice and keeps watch over the way of his faithful ones. | He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. |
Then you will understand equity and justice as well as righteousness—every good path. | Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. |