15 Every living creature loves its own kind,

and every man loves his neighbour.

16 All flesh associates with their own kind.

A man will stick to people like himself.

17 What fellowship would the wolf have with the lamb?

So is the sinner to the godly.

18 What peace is there between a hyena and a dog?

What peace is there between a rich man and the poor?

19 Wild donkeys are the prey of lions in the wilderness;

likewise poor men are feeding grounds for the rich.

20 Lowliness is an abomination to a proud man;

likewise a poor man is an abomination to the rich.

21 When a rich man is shaken, he is supported by his friends,

but when the humble is down, he is pushed away even by his friends.

22 When a rich man falls, there are many helpers.

He speaks things not to be spoken, and men justify him.

A humble man falls, and men rebuke him.

He utters wisdom, and is not listened to.

23 A rich man speaks, and all keep silence.

They extol what he says to the clouds.

A poor man speaks, and they say, “Who is this?”

If he stumbles, they will help to overthrow him.

24 Riches are good if they have no sin.

Poverty is evil only in the opinion of the ungodly.

25 The heart of a man changes his countenance,

whether it is for good or for evil.[fn]

26 A cheerful countenance is a sign of a prosperous heart.

Devising proverbs takes strenuous thinking.