17. But goodness, like eternity, will never be cut off,and righteousness endures forever.
18. Wealth or wages can make life sweet,but better than either, finding a treasure.
19. A child or a city will preserve one’s name,but better than either, finding wisdom.Cattle and orchards make a person flourish;but better than either, a devoted wife.
20. Wine and strong drink delight the soul,but better than either, love of friends.
21. Flute and harp offer sweet melody,but better than either, a pure tongue.
22. Grace and beauty delight the eye,but better than either, the produce of the field.
23. A friend and a neighbor are timely guides,but better than either, a sensible wife.
24. Relatives and helpers for times of stress;but better than either, charity that rescues.
25. Gold and silver make one’s way secure,but better than either, sound judgment.
26. Wealth and vigor make the heart exult,but better than either, fear of God.In the fear of the Lord there is no want;whoever has it need seek no other support.
27. The fear of God is a paradise of blessings;its canopy is over all that is glorious.
28. My son, do not live the life of a beggar;better to die than to beg.
29. When one has to look to a stranger’s table,life is not worth living.The delicacies offered bring revulsion of spirit,and to the intelligent, inward torture.