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.