1The wisdom of the poor lifts their head high and sets them among princes.
2Do not praise anyone for good looks; or despise anyone because of appearance.
3The bee is least among winged creatures, but it reaps the choicest of harvests.
4Do not mock the one who wears only a loin-cloth, or scoff at a person’s bitter day. For strange are the deeds of the LORD, hidden from mortals his work.
5Many are the oppressed who rise to the throne; some that none would consider wear a crown.
6Many are the exalted who fall into utter disgrace, many the honored who are given into the power of the few.
7Moderation and Patience - Before investigating, do not find fault; examine first, then criticize.
8Before listening, do not say a word, interrupt no one in the midst of speaking.
9Do not dispute about what is not your concern; in the quarrels of the arrogant do not take part.
10My son, why increase your anxiety, since whoever is greedy for wealth will not be blameless? Even if you chase after it, you will never overtake it; and by fleeing you will not escape.
11One may work and struggle and drive, and fall short all the same.
12Others go their way broken-down drifters, with little strength and great misery— Yet the eye of the LORD looks favorably upon them, shaking them free of the stinking mire.
13He lifts up their heads and exalts them to the amazement of the many.
14Good and evil, life and death, poverty and riches—all are from the LORD.