Unequal Partnerships

1 He who touches pitch will be defiled. He who associates with a proud man will become like him. 2 Don’t take up a burden beyond your strength. Do not associate with someone more powerful and richer than yourself. What can a clay pot have in common with a kettle? The kettle will strike, and the pot will be smashed to pieces.⁠a 3 The rich man does a wrong and threatens. The poor is wronged and apologizes.⁠b 4 If you are useful, he will exploit you. If you are in need, he will abandon you. 5 If you own something, he will live with you. He will drain your resources and will not be sorry.

6 Does he need you? Then he will deceive you, smile at you, and give you hope. He will speak kindly to you and say, “What do you need?” 7 He will shame you by his rich food until he has stripped you of everything two or three times, and in the end he will laugh at you in contempt. Afterward he will see you, will abandon you, and shake his head at you. 8 Beware that you are not deceived and brought low in your enjoyment.

Caution around the Powerful

9 If a powerful man invites you, be reserved, and he will invite you more. 10 Don’t press him, in case you are pushed away. Don’t stand far away, in case you are forgotten. 11 Don’t try to speak with him as an equal, and don’t believe his many words, for he will test you with much talk, and will examine you with a smile. 12 He who doesn’t keep secrets to himself is unmerciful. He won’t hesitate to harm and to bind. 13 Keep them to yourself and be careful, for you walk in danger of falling.

The Separation of Rich and Poor

15 Every living creature loves its own kind, and every man loves his neighbor.⁠c 16 All living creatures associate with their own kind. A man will stick to people like himself. 17 What can a wolf have in common with a lamb? So it is between the sinner and the godly.⁠d 18 What peace is there between a hyena and a dog? What peace is there between a rich man and the poor? 19 Wild donkeys are the prey of lions in the wilderness, and likewise poor men are feeding grounds for the rich. 20 Humility is detestable to a proud man, and likewise a poor man is detestable to the rich.

21 When a rich man is shaken, he is supported by his friends, but when a humble man is down, he is pushed away even by his friends. 22 When a rich man falls, there are many helpers. He speaks things not to be spoken, and men justify him. A humble man falls, and men rebuke him. He speaks wisdom, and is not listened to. 23 A rich man speaks, and all keep silence. They praise what he says to the clouds.⁠e A poor man speaks, and they say, “Who is this?” If he stumbles, they will help to overthrow him.

Wealth and the Heart

24 Riches are good if they involve no sin. Poverty is evil only in the opinion of the ungodly. 25 The heart of a man changes his expression, whether it is for good or for evil. 26 A cheerful face is a sign of a thriving heart. Devising proverbs takes strenuous thinking.