Proverbs

⁷One man considers himself rich, yet has nothing [to keep permanently]; another man considers himself poor, yet has great [and indestructible] riches. [Prov. 12:9; Luke 12:20, 21.] ⁸A rich man can buy his way out of threatened death by paying a ransom, but the poor man does not even have to listen to threats [from the envious]. ⁹The light of the [uncompromisingly] righteous [is within him–it grows brighter and] rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked [furnishes only a derived, temporary light and] shall be put out shortly. ¹⁰By pride and insolence comes only contention, but with the well-advised is skillful and godly Wisdom. ¹¹Wealth [not earned but] won in haste or unjustly or from the production of things for vain or detrimental use [such riches] will dwindle away, but he who gathers little by little will increase [his riches]. ¹²Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life. ¹³Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself, but he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] is rewarded.