33:1 No evil can harm the man who fears the LORD; through trials, again and again he is safe.
33:2 He who hates the law is without wisdom, and is tossed about like a boat in a storm.
33:3 The prudent man trusts in the word of the LORD, and the law is dependable for him as a divine oracle.
33:4 Prepare your words and you will be listened to; draw upon your training, and then give your answer.
33:5 Like the wheel of a cart is the mind of a fool; his thoughts revolve in circles.
33:6 A fickle friend is like the stallion that neighs, no matter who the rider.
33:7 Why is one day more important than another, when it is the sun that lights up every day?
33:8 It is due to the LORD’s wisdom that they differ; it is through him the seasons and feasts come and go.
33:9 Some he dignifies and sanctifies, and others he lists as ordinary days.
33:10 So too, all men are of clay, for from earth man was formed;
33:11 Yet with his great knowledge the LORD makes men unlike; in different paths he has them walk.
33:12 Some he blesses and makes great, some he sanctifies and draws to himself. Others he curses and brings low, and expels them from their place.
33:13 Like clay in the hands of a potter, to be molded according to his pleasure, So are men in the hands of their Creator, to be assigned by him their function.
33:14 As evil contrasts with good, and death with life, so are sinners in contrast with the just;
33:15 See now all the works of the Most High: they come in pairs, the one the opposite of the other.
33:16 Now I am the last to keep vigil, like a gleaner after the vintage;
33:17 Since by the LORD’s blessing I have made progress till like a vintager I have filled my wine press,
33:18 I would inform you that not for myself only have I toiled, but for every seeker after wisdom.
33:19 Listen to me, O leaders of the multitude; O rulers of the assembly, give ear!
33:20 Let neither son nor wife, neither brother nor friend, have power over you as long as you live.
33:21 While breath of life is still in you, let no man have dominion over you. Give not to another your wealth, lest then you have to plead with him;
33:22 Far better that your children plead with you than that you should look to their generosity.
33:23 Keep control over all your affairs; let no one tarnish your glory.
33:24 When your few days reach their limit, at the time of death distribute your inheritance.
33:25 Fodder and whip and loads for an ass; the yoke and harness and the rod of his master.
33:27 Food, correction and work for a slave; and for a wicked slave, punishment in the stocks.
33:26 Make a slave work and he will look for his rest; let his hands be idle and he will seek to be free.
33:28 Force him to work that he be not idle, for idleness is an apt teacher of mischief.
33:29 Put him to work, for that is what befits him; if he becomes unruly, load him with chains.
33:30 But never lord it over any human being, and do nothing unjust.
33:31 If you have but one slave, treat him like yourself, for you have acquired him with your life’s blood;
33:32 If you have but one slave, deal with him as a brother, for you need him as you need your life:
33:33 If you mistreat him and he runs away, in what direction will you look for him?