Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion. | First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. |
Open your mouth for the people who cannot speak, For the rights of all the unfortunate. | Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. |
|
Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the poor and needy. | Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. |
An excellent wife, who can find her? For her worth is far above jewels. | Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. |
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall 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 despise wisdom and instruction. | Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. |
Turn to my rebuke, Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. | Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. |
For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. | For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. |
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity. | He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. |
Guarding the paths of justice, And He watches over the way of His godly ones. | He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. |
Then you will discern righteousness, justice, And integrity, and every good path. | Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. |