[17] Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. [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, [20] Have not I written to thee 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, neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: [23] will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled [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? [28] Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. [29] Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.