19I am teaching you today—yes, you—
so you will trust in the Lord.
20I have written thirty sayings for you,
filled with advice and knowledge.
21In this way, you may know the truth
and take an accurate report to those who sent you.
22Don’t rob the poor just because you can,
or exploit the needy in court.
23For the Lord is their defender.
He will ruin anyone who ruins them.
24Don’t befriend angry people
or associate with hot-tempered people,
25or you will learn to be like them
and endanger your soul.
26Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt
or put up security for someone else.
27If you can’t pay it,
even your bed will be snatched from under you.
28Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers
set up by previous generations.
29Do you see any truly competent workers?
They will serve kings
rather than working for ordinary people.
