Proverbs 22:18-27 in English

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee, If they be established together upon thy lips.

¹⁹ That thy trust may be in Jehovah, I have made them known to thee this day, even to thee.

²⁰ Have not I written unto thee excellent things Of counsels and knowledge,

²¹ To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, That thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?

²² Rob not the poor, because he is poor; Neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

²³ For Jehovah will plead their cause, And despoil of life those that despoil them.

²⁴ Make no friendship with a man that is given to anger; And with a wrathful man thou shalt not go:

²⁵ Lest thou learn his ways, And get a snare to thy soul.

²⁶ Be thou not one of them that strike hands, Or of them that are sureties for debts.

²⁷ If thou hast not wherewith to pay, Why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

¹⁸ that thou mayest know that they are good: and if thou lay them to heart, they shall also gladden thee on thy lips.

¹⁹ That thy hope may be in the Lord, and he may make thy way known to thee.

²⁰ And do thou too repeatedly record them for thyself on the table of thine heart, for counsel and knowledge.

²¹ I therefore teach thee truth, and knowledge good to hear; that thou mayest answer words of truth to them that question thee.

²² Do no violence to the poor, for he is needy: neither dishonour the helpless man in the gates.

²³ For the Lord will plead his cause, and thou shalt deliver thy soul in safety.

²⁴ Be not companion to a furious man; neither lodge with a passionate man:

²⁵ lest thou learn of his ways, and get snares to thy soul.

²⁶ Become not surety from respect of a man's person.

²⁷ For if those have not whence to give compensation, they will take the bed that is under thee.

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

¹⁹ That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

²⁰ Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

²¹ That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

²² Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

²³ For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

²⁴ Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

²⁵ Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

²⁶ Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

²⁷ If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

¹⁹ That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

²⁰ Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

²¹ That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

²² Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

²³ For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

²⁴ Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

²⁵ Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

²⁶ Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

²⁷ If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

¹⁸ that you may know that they are good: and if you lay them to heart, they shall also gladden you on your lips.

¹⁹ That your hope may be in the Lord, and he may make your way known to you.

²⁰ And do you too repeatedly record them for yourself on the table of your heart, for counsel and knowledge.

²¹ I therefore teach you truth, and knowledge good to hear; that you may answer words of truth to them that question you.

²² Do no violence to the poor, for he is needy: neither dishonor the helpless man in the gates.

²³ For the Lord will plead his cause, and you shall deliver your soul in safety.

²⁴ Be not companion to a furious man; neither lodge with a passionate man:

²⁵ lest you learn of his ways, and get snares to your soul.

²⁶ Become not surety from respect of a man's person.

²⁷ For if those have not whence to give compensation, they will take the bed that is under you.

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee, if they be established together upon thy lips.

¹⁹ That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to thee this day, even to thee.

²⁰ Have not I written unto thee excellent things of counsels and knowledge;

²¹ To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, that thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?

²² Rob not the poor, because he is poor, neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

²³ For the LORD will plead their cause, and despoil of life those that despoil them.

²⁴ Make no friendship with a man that is given to anger; and with a wrathful man thou shalt not go:

²⁵ Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

²⁶ Be thou not one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts:

²⁷ If thou hast not wherewith to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

¹⁸ It will be good to ◄keep these things in your minds/always remember them►, because if you do that, you will be able to quote/recite them to others.

¹⁹ I want you to trust in Yahweh, and that is the reason that I am telling them to you, now.

²⁰ I have written RHQ thirty ◄sayings/things that wise people have said► from which you will receive good advice and you will be able you to know many good/useful things.

²¹ From them, you will learn what is right and what is true, in order that you will be able to bring back a good report to those who sent you to school (OR, give a good answer to those who ask you questions).

²² It is easy to rob poor people who are helpless and cannot defend themselves, but never do that; and do not oppress in court those who are needy/afflicted,

²³ because Yahweh will speak to defend them, and he will punish those who steal things from others—by causing them to die.

²⁴ Do not become friends with those who often become angry, and do not associate with those who cannot control their temper/anger,

²⁵ because you might start to act like they do and not be able to stop doing that.

²⁶ If someone borrows money, do not be one of those who promises to pay what that person owes he cannot pay it back,

²⁷ because if you cannot pay it back, people will surely RHQ come and take away everything you own, even your bed.

¹⁸ that you may know that they are good: and if you lay them to heart, they shall also gladden you on your lips.

¹⁹ That your hope may be in the Lord, and he may make your way known to you.

²⁰ And do you too repeatedly record them for yourself on the table of your heart, for counsel and knowledge.

²¹ I therefore teach you truth, and knowledge good to hear; that you may answer words of truth to them that question you.

²² Do no violence to the poor, for he is needy: neither dishonour the helpless man in the gates.

²³ For the Lord will plead his cause, and you shall deliver your soul in safety.

²⁴ Be not companion to a furious man; neither lodge with a passionate man:

²⁵ lest you learn of his ways, and get snares to your soul.

²⁶ Become not surety from respect of a man's person.

²⁷ For if those have not whence to give compensation, they will take the bed that is under you.

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

¹⁹ I teach you today, even you, so that your trust may be in Yahweh.

²⁰ Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge,

²¹ To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

²² Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court;

²³ for Yahweh will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.

²⁴ Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man. Don’t associate with one who harbors anger,

²⁵ lest you learn his ways and ensnare your soul.

²⁶ Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts.

²⁷ If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

¹⁹ I teach you today, even you, so that your trust may be in Yahweh.

²⁰ Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge,

²¹ To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

²² Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court;

²³ for Yahweh will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.

²⁴ Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man. Don’t associate with one who harbors anger,

²⁵ lest you learn his ways and ensnare your soul.

²⁶ Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts.

²⁷ If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

¹⁹ I teach you today, even you, so that your trust may be in the LORD.

²⁰ Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge,

²¹ To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

²² Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court;

²³ for the LORD will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.

²⁴ Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man. Don’t associate with one who harbours anger,

²⁵ lest you learn his ways and ensnare your soul.

²⁶ Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts.

²⁷ If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?

¹⁸ For it is a delight to keep them in your heart, to have them ready on your lips.

¹⁹ So that your faith may be in the Lord, I have made them clear to you this day, even to you.

²⁰ Have I not put in writing for you thirty sayings, with wise suggestions and knowledge,

²¹ To make you see how certain are true words, so that you may give a true answer to those who put questions to you?

²² Do not take away the property of the poor man because he is poor, or be cruel to the crushed ones when they come before the judge:

²³ For the Lord will give support to their cause, and take the life of those who take their goods.

²⁴ Do not be friends with a man who is given to wrath; do not go in the company of an angry man:

²⁵ For fear of learning his ways and making a net ready for your soul.

²⁶ Be not one of those who give their hands in an agreement, or of those who make themselves responsible for debts:

²⁷ If you have nothing with which to make payment, he will take away your bed from under you.

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee: they shall be together fitted on thy lips.

¹⁹ That thy confidence may be in Jehovah, I have made them known to thee this day, even to thee.

²⁰ Have not I written to thee excellent things, in counsels and knowledge,

²¹ that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?

²² Rob not the poor, because he is poor, neither oppress the afflicted in the gate;

²³ for Jehovah will plead their cause, and despoil the soul of those that despoil them.

²⁴ Make no friendship with an angry man, and go not with a furious man;

²⁵ lest thou learn his paths, and get a snare to thy soul.

²⁶ Be not of them that strike hands, of them that are sureties for debts:

²⁷ if thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

¹⁸ Which shall be beautiful for thee, if thou keep it in thy bowels, and it shall flow in thy lips:

¹⁹ That thy trust may be in the Lord, wherefore I have also shewn it to thee this day.

²⁰ Behold I have described it to thee three manner of ways, in thoughts and knowledge:

²¹ That I might shew thee the certainty, and the words of truth, to answer out of these to them that sent thee.

²² Do no violence to the poor, because he is poor: and do not oppress the needy in the gate:

²³ Because the Lord will judge his cause, and will afflict them that have afflicted his soul.

²⁴ Be not a friend to an angry man, and do not walk with a furious man:

²⁵ Lest perhaps thou learn his ways, and take scandal to thy soul.

²⁶ Be not with them that fasten down their hands, and that offer themselves sureties for debts:

²⁷ For if thou have not wherewith to restore, what cause is there, that he should take the covering from thy bed?

¹⁸ for it's good to keep them in mind so you can be ready to share them.

¹⁹ I'm explaining this to you today so you can trust in the Lord—yes, you!

²⁰ Haven't I written down for you thirty sayings of advice and wisdom?

²¹ They are to make it clear to you what's right and true, so you can give a truthful explanation to those who sent you.

²² For you shouldn't steal from the poor just because they're poor; and you shouldn't crush those with limited means in court,

²³ for the Lord will plead their case, and he will take back whatever was stolen from them.

²⁴ Don't make friends with someone who gets upset easily; don't associate with angry people,

²⁵ in case you learn to be like them and make a mess of your life.

²⁶ Don't shake hands and guarantee someone's debt,

²⁷ for if you can't pay, why should your bed be taken away from beneath you?

¹⁸ For it shalbe pleasant, if thou keepe them in thy bellie, and if they be directed together in thy lippes.

¹⁹ That thy confidence may be in the Lord, I haue shewed thee this day: thou therefore take heede.

²⁰ Haue not I written vnto thee three times in counsels and knowledge,

²¹ That I might shewe thee the assurance of the wordes of trueth to answere the wordes of trueth to them that sende to thee?

²² Robbe not the poore, because hee is poore, neither oppresse the afflicted in iudgement.

²³ For the Lord will defende their cause, and spoyle the soule of those that spoyle them.

²⁴ Make no friendship with an angrie man, neither goe with the furious man,

²⁵ Least thou learne his wayes, and receiue destruction to thy soule.

²⁶ Be not thou of them that touch the hand, nor among them that are suretie for debts.

²⁷ If thou hast nothing to paye, why causest thou that he should take thy bed from vnder thee?

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; let them be established altogether upon thy lips.

¹⁹ That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to thee this day, even to thee.

²⁰ Have not I written unto thee excellent things of counsels and knowledge;

²¹ That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, that thou mightest bring back words of truth to them that send thee?

²² Rob not the weak, because he is weak, neither crush the poor in the gate;

²³ For the LORD will plead their cause, and despoil of life those that despoil them.

²⁴ Make no friendship with a man that is given to anger; and with a wrathful man thou shalt not go;

²⁵ Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

²⁶ Be thou not of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts;

²⁷ If thou hast not wherewith to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; They shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

¹⁹ That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

²⁰ Have not I written to thee excellent things In counsels and knowledge,

²¹ That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

²² Rob not the poor, because he is poor: Neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

²³ For the Lord will plead their cause, And spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

²⁴ Make no friendship with an angry man; And with a furious man thou shalt not go:

²⁵ Lest thou learn his ways, And get a snare to thy soul.

²⁶ Be not thou one of them that strike hands, Or of them that are sureties for debts.

²⁷ If thou hast nothing to pay, Why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thy bosom, if they be altogether firmly seated upon thy lips.

¹⁹ That thy trust may be in the Lord, have I made them known to thee this day, yea, even to thee.

²⁰ Have not I written for thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

²¹ That I might make thee know rectitude, the sayings of truth; that thou mightest bring back answers of truth to those that send thee?

²² Rob not the poor, because he is poor, neither crush the afflicted in the gate;

²³ For the Lord will plead their cause, and despoil the life of those that despoil them.

²⁴ Make no friendship with a man given to anger; and with a man of fury thou must have no intercourse:

²⁵ Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare for thy own soul.

²⁶ Be not one of those that pledge their hand, or of those that are sureties for debts.

²⁷ If thou have nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

¹⁸ That thou mayest know that they are good: And if thou lay them to heart, They shall also gladden thee on thy lips,

¹⁹ That thy hope may be in the Lord, And he may make thy way known to thee.

²⁰ And do thou too repeatedly record them for thyself On the table of thy heart, for counsel and knowledge.

²¹ I therefore teach thee truth, and knowledge good to hear; That thou mayest answer words of truth to them that question thee.

²² Do no violence to the poor, for he is needy: Neither dishonor the helpless man in the gates.

²³ For the Lord will plead his cause, And thou shalt deliver thy soul in safety.

²⁴ Be not companion to a furious man; Neither lodge with a passionate man:

²⁵ Lest thou learn of his ways, And get snares to thy soul.

²⁶ Become not surety from respect of a man’s person.

²⁷ For if those have not whence to give compensation, They will take the bed that is under thee.

¹⁸ For it will be a pleasant thing, if thou keep them in thy bosom, When they are altogether established upon thy lips.

¹⁹ That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have this day given to thee instruction, yea, to thee.

²⁰ Behold, I have written to thee excellent things Concerning counsel and knowledge;

²¹ That I may make thee know rectitude, and words of truth; That thou mayst bring back words of truth to them that send thee.

²² Rob not the poor man, because he is poor, Nor crush thou the destitute at the gate;

²³ For the LORD will maintain their cause, And despoil their spoilers of life.

²⁴ Make no friendship with a passionate man, Nor be the companion of a man prone to wrath;

²⁵ Lest thou learn his ways, And take to thyself a snare.

²⁶ Be not thou one of those who strike hands, Of those who are sureties for debts.

²⁷ When thou hast nothing to pay, Why should thy bed be taken from under thee?

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

¹⁹ That your trust may be in Adonai , I teach you today, even you.

²⁰ Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge,

²¹ To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

²² Don’t exploit the poor, because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court;

²³ for Adonai will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.

²⁴ Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger:

²⁵ lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul.

²⁶ Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts.

²⁷ If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?

¹⁸ for it will be pleasant for you if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

¹⁹ So your trust may be in Yahweh, I teach them to you today—even to you.

²⁰ Have I not written for you thirty sayings of instruction and knowledge,

²¹ to teach you truth in these trustworthy words, so you may give trustworthy answers to those who sent you?

²² Do not rob the poor because he is poor, or crush the needy at the gate,

²³ for Yahweh will plead their case, and he will rob of life those who robbed them.

²⁴ Do not make a friend of someone who is ruled by anger and you must not go with one who rages,

²⁵ or you will learn his ways and you will take bait for your soul.

²⁶ Do not be one who strikes hands in making a pledge, or who puts up security for debts.

²⁷ If you lack the means to pay, what could stop someone from taking away your bed from under you?

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

¹⁹ I teach you today, even you, so that your trust may be in Yahweh.

²⁰ Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge,

²¹ To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

²² Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court;

²³ for Yahweh will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.

²⁴ Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man. Don’t associate with one who harbors anger,

²⁵ lest you learn his ways and ensnare your soul.

²⁶ Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts.

²⁷ If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

¹⁹ I teach you today, even you, so that your trust may be in the LORD.

²⁰ Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge,

²¹ To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

²² Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court;

²³ for the LORD will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.

²⁴ Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man. Don’t associate with one who harbours anger,

²⁵ lest you learn his ways and ensnare your soul.

²⁶ Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts.

²⁷ If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if thou keepest them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

¹⁹ That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

²⁰ Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

²¹ That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send to thee?

²² Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

²³ For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

²⁴ Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

²⁵ Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

²⁶ Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

²⁷ If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

¹⁹ I teach you today, even you, so that your trust may be in the LORD.

²⁰ Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge,

²¹ To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

²² Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court;

²³ for the LORD will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.

²⁴ Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man. Don’t associate with one who harbors anger,

²⁵ lest you learn his ways and ensnare your soul.

²⁶ Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts.

²⁷ If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

¹⁹ I teach you today, even you, so that your trust may be in the LORD.

²⁰ Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge,

²¹ To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

²² Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court;

²³ for the LORD will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.

²⁴ Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man. Don’t associate with one who harbours anger,

²⁵ lest you learn his ways and ensnare your soul.

²⁶ Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts.

²⁷ If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?

¹⁸ That shall be fair to thee, when thou hast kept it in thine heart, and it shall flow again in thy lips.

¹⁹ That thy trust be in the Lord; wherefore and I have showed it to thee today.

²⁰ Lo! I have described it in three manners, in thoughts and knowing,

²¹ that I should show to thee the firmness and speeches of truth; to answer of these things to them that sent thee.

²² Do thou not violence to a poor man, for he is poor; neither defoul thou a needy man in the gate.

²³ For the Lord shall deem his cause, and he shall torment them that tormented his soul.

²⁴ Do not thou be friend to a wrathful man, neither go thou with a wrathful man;

²⁵ lest peradventure thou learn his ways, and take cause of stumbling to thy soul.

²⁶ Do not thou be with them that fasten, or bind, their hands, and that proffer themselves to be borrows for debts;

²⁷ for if he hath not whereof he shall restore, what of cause is, that thou take away covering from thy bed?

¹⁸ That shall be fair to thee, when thou hast kept it in thine heart, and it shall flow again in thy lips. (It shall please thee when thou hast kept it in thy heart, and it shall flow freely from thy lips.)

¹⁹ That thy trust be in the Lord; wherefore and I have showed it to thee today. (So that thy trust be in the Lord; and so I have showed it to thee today.)

²⁰ Lo! I have described it in three manners, in thoughts and knowing,

²¹ (so) that I should show to thee the firmness and speeches of truth; to answer (out) of these things to them that sent (unto) thee.

²² Do thou not violence to a poor man, for he is poor; neither defoul thou a needy man in the gate. (Do not thou do violence to a poor person, because he is poor; and do not take advantage of a needy person in court or at the city gates.)

²³ For the Lord shall deem his cause, and he shall torment them that tormented his soul. (For the Lord shall judge his case, and he shall torment those who tormented him.)

²⁴ Do not thou be (a) friend to a wrathful man, neither go thou with a wrathful man;

²⁵ lest peradventure thou learn his ways, and take cause of stumbling to thy soul. (lest perhaps thou learn his ways, and bring a cause of stumbling unto thy soul.)

²⁶ Do not thou be with them that fasten, or bind, their hands, and that proffer themselves to be borrows for debts; (Do not thou be with those who bind their hands, and who offer themselvesas pledges for other people’s debts;)

²⁷ for if he hath not whereof he shall restore, what of cause is, that thou (should) take away (the) covering from (off) thy bed? (for if thou hath not whereof to pay, then they shall even take away thy bed from under thee.)

¹⁸ For they are pleasant when thou dost keep them in thy heart, They are prepared together for thy lips.

¹⁹ That thy trust may be in Jehovah, I caused thee to know to-day, even thou.

²⁰ Have I not written to thee three times With counsels and knowledge?

²¹ To cause thee to know the certainty of sayings of truth, To return sayings of truth to those sending thee.

²² Rob not the poor because he is poor, And bruise not the afflicted in the gate.

²³ For Jehovah pleadeth their cause, And hath spoiled the soul of their spoilers.

²⁴ Shew not thyself friendly with an angry man, And with a man of fury go not in,

²⁵ Lest thou learn his paths, And have received a snare to thy soul.

²⁶ Be not thou among those striking hands, Among sureties for burdens.

²⁷ If thou hast nothing to pay, Why doth he take thy bed from under thee?