1: A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.
2: The rich and the poor shake hands as equals--GOD made them both!
3: A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.
4: The payoff for meekness and Fear-of-GOD is plenty and honor and a satisfying life.
5: The perverse travel a dangerous road, potholed and mud-slick; if you know what's good for you, stay clear of it.
6: Point your kids in the right direction--when they're old they won't be lost.
7: The poor are always ruled over by the rich, so don't borrow and put yourself under their power.
8: Whoever sows sin reaps weeds, and bullying anger sputters into nothing.
9: Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor.
10: Kick out the troublemakers and things will quiet down; you need a break from bickering and griping!
11: GOD loves the pure-hearted and well-spoken; good leaders also delight in their friendship.
12: GOD guards knowledge with a passion, but he'll have nothing to do with deception.
13: The loafer says, "There's a lion on the loose! If I go out I'll be eaten alive!"
14: The mouth of a whore is a bottomless pit; you'll fall in that pit if you're on the outs with GOD.
15: Young people are prone to foolishness and fads; the cure comes through tough-minded discipline.
16: Exploit the poor or glad-hand the rich--whichever, you'll end up the poorer for it. The Thirty Precepts of the Sages Don't Move Back the Boundary Lines
17: Listen carefully to my wisdom; take to heart what I can teach you. You'll treasure its sweetness deep within;
18: you'll give it bold expression in your speech.
19: To make sure your foundation is trust in GOD, I'm laying it all out right now just for you.
20: I'm giving you thirty sterling principles--tested guidelines to live by.
21: Believe me--these are truths that work, and will keep you accountable to those who sent you.
22: Don't walk on the poor just because they're poor, and don't use your position to crush the weak,
23: Because GOD will come to their defense; the life you took, he'll take from you and give back to them.
24: Don't hang out with angry people; don't keep company with hotheads.
25: Bad temper is contagious--don't get infected.
26: Don't gamble on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, hocking your house against a lucky chance.
27: The time will come when you have to pay up; you'll be left with nothing but the shirt on your back.
28: Don't stealthily move back the boundary lines staked out long ago by your ancestors.
29: Observe people who are good at their work--skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don't take a back seat to anyone.