Immerse: Poets Full Volume - Flipbook - Page 246
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IMMERSE
•
POETS
22:21–23:8
filled with advice and knowledge.
In this way, you may know the truth
and take an accurate report to those who sent you.
Don’t rob the poor just because you can,
or exploit the needy in court.
For the Lord is their defender.
He will ruin anyone who ruins them.
Don’t befriend angry people
or associate with hot-tempered people,
or you will learn to be like them
and endanger your soul.
Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt
or put up security for someone else.
If you can’t pay it,
even your bed will be snatched from under you.
Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers
set up by previous generations.
Do you see any truly competent workers?
They will serve kings
rather than working for ordinary people.
While dining with a ruler,
pay attention to what is put before you.
If you are a big eater,
put a knife to your throat;
don’t desire all the delicacies,
for he might be trying to trick you.
Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich.
Be wise enough to know when to quit.
In the blink of an eye wealth disappears,
for it will sprout wings
and fly away like an eagle.
Don’t eat with people who are stingy;
don’t desire their delicacies.
They are always thinking about how much it costs.
“Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.
You will throw up what little you’ve eaten,
and your compliments will be wasted.
