| First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. | Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. |
| Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. | Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. |
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| Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. | Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. |
| Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. | A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. |
| Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. | Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. |
| Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. | The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. |
| Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. | Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. |
| For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. | For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. |
| He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. | He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless. |
| He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. | For he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. |
| Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. | Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. |
