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4:1  My child, do not mock the life of the poor; do not keep needy eyes waiting.
4:2  Do not grieve the hungry, nor anger the needy.
4:3  Do not aggravate a heart already angry, nor delay giving to the needy.
4:4  A beggar’s request do not reject; do not turn your face away from the poor.
4:5  From the needy do not turn your eyes; do not give them reason to curse you.
4:6  If in their pain they cry out bitterly, their Rock will hear the sound of their cry.
4:7  Endear yourself to the assembly; before the city’s ruler bow your head.
4:8  Give a hearing to the poor, and return their greeting with deference;
4:9  Deliver the oppressed from their oppressors; right judgment should not be repugnant to you.
4:10  Be like a father to orphans, and take the place of a husband to widows. Then God will call you his child, and he will be merciful to you and deliver you from the pit.
4:11  Wisdom teaches her children and admonishes all who can understand her.
4:12  Those who love her love life; those who seek her out win the Lord’s favor.
4:13  Those who hold her fast will attain glory, and they shall abide in the blessing of the Lord.
4:14  Those who serve her serve the Holy One; those who love her the Lord loves.
4:15  “Whoever obeys me will judge nations; whoever listens to me will dwell in my inmost chambers.
4:16  If they remain faithful, they will possess me; their descendants too will inherit me.
4:17  “I will walk with them in disguise, and at first I will test them with trials. Fear and dread I will bring upon them and I will discipline them with my constraints. When their hearts are fully with me,
4:18  then I will set them again on the straight path and reveal my secrets to them.
4:19  But if they turn away from me, I will abandon them and deliver them over to robbers.”
4:20  My son, watch for the right time; fear what is evil; do not bring shame upon yourself.
4:21  There is a shame heavy with guilt, and a shame that brings glory and respect.
4:22  Show no favoritism to your own discredit; let no one intimidate you to your own downfall.
4:23  Do not refrain from speaking at the proper time, and do not hide your wisdom;
4:24  For wisdom becomes known through speech, and knowledge through the tongue’s response.
4:25  Never speak against the truth, but of your own ignorance be ashamed.
4:26  Do not be ashamed to acknowledge your sins, and do not struggle against a rushing stream.
4:27  Do not abase yourself before a fool; do not refuse to do so before rulers.
4:28  Even to the death, fight for what is right, and the Lord will do battle for you.
4:29  Do not be haughty in your speech, or lazy and slack in your deeds.
4:30  Do not be like a lion at home, or sly and suspicious with your servants.
4:31  Do not let your hand be open to receive, but clenched when it is time to give.