33:1 No evil will befall someone who fears the Lord, but in trials such a one will be rescued again and again.
33:2 The wise will not hate the law, but someone who is hypocritical about it is like a boat in a storm.
33:3 The sensible person will trust in the law; for such a one the law is as dependable as a divine oracle.
33:4 Prepare what to say, and then you will be listened to; draw upon your training, and give your answer.
33:5 The heart of a fool is like a cartwheel, and his thoughts like a turning axle.
33:6 A mocking friend is like a stallion that neighs no matter who the rider is.
33:7 Why is one day more important than another, when all the daylight in the year is from the sun?
33:8 By the Lord’s wisdom they were distinguished, and he appointed the different seasons and festivals.
33:9 Some days he exalted and hallowed, and some he made ordinary days.
33:10 All human beings come from the ground, and humankind was created out of the dust.
33:11 In the fullness of his knowledge the Lord distinguished them and appointed their different ways.
33:12 Some he blessed and exalted, and some he made holy and brought near to himself; but some he cursed and brought low, and turned them out of their place.
33:13 Like clay in the hand of the potter, to be moulded as he pleases, so all are in the hand of their Maker, to be given whatever he decides.
33:14 Good is the opposite of evil, and life the opposite of death; so the sinner is the opposite of the godly.
33:15 Look at all the works of the Most High; they come in pairs, one the opposite of the other.
33:16 Now I was the last to keep vigil; I was like a gleaner following the grape-pickers;
33:17 by the blessing of the Lord I arrived first, and like a grape-picker I filled my wine press.
33:18 Consider that I have not laboured for myself alone, but for all who seek instruction.
33:19 Hear me, you who are great among the people, and you leaders of the congregation, pay heed!
33:20 To son or wife, to brother or friend, do not give power over yourself, as long as you live; and do not give your property to another, in case you change your mind and must ask for it.
33:21 While you are still alive and have breath in you, do not let anyone take your place.
33:22 For it is better that your children should ask from you than that you should look to the hand of your children.
33:23 Excel in all that you do; bring no stain upon your honour.
33:24 At the time when you end the days of your life, in the hour of death, distribute your inheritance.
33:25 Fodder and a stick and burdens for a donkey; bread and discipline and work for a slave.
33:26 Set your slave to work, and you will find rest; leave his hands idle, and he will seek liberty.
33:27 Yoke and thong will bow the neck, and for a wicked slave there are racks and tortures.
33:28 Put him to work, in order that he may not be idle,
33:30 Set him to work, as is fitting for him, and if he does not obey, make his fetters heavy. Do not be overbearing towards anyone, and do nothing unjust.
33:31 If you have but one slave, treat him like yourself, because you have bought him with blood. If you have but one slave, treat him like a brother, for you will need him as you need your life.
33:32 If you ill-treat him, and he leaves you and runs away,
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