Proverbs

²⁰Have I not written to you [long ago] excellent things in counsels and knowledge, ²¹To make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you? [Luke 1:3, 4.] ²²Rob not the poor [being tempted by their helplessness], neither oppress the afflicted at the gate [where the city court is held], [Exod. 23:6; Job 31:16, 21.] ²³For the Lord will plead their cause and deprive of life those who deprive [the poor or afflicted]. [Zech. 7:10; Mal. 3:5.] ²⁴Make no friendships with a man given to anger, and with a wrathful man do not associate, ²⁵Lest you learn his ways and get yourself into a snare. ²⁶Be not one of those who strike hands and pledge themselves, or of those who become security for another's debts.