First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. | Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that I need. |
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. | Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. |
|
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. | Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. |
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. | A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. |
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. | Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, 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; fools despise wisdom and instruction. |
Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. | Give heed to my reproof; I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you. |
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 stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly. |
He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. | Guarding the paths of justice and preserving 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 righteousness and justice and equity, every good path. |