Advice for Men

1 Love your wife,

but don't act jealous--

that will only invite her

to hurt you.

2If you let yourself fall

under the spell of a woman,

she will walk all over you.

3You had best stay away

from an immoral woman,

or you will be caught

in her traps.

4Do not spend too much time

with a woman who sings

to entertain men--

she can use many tricks

to take control of you.

5 Do not gaze too long

at a virgin--

if you talk her into having sex,

you will have to pay a fine

and marry her.

6Don't let yourself be controlled

by a desire for prostitutes,

or you will lose everything

that you inherited.

7So don't look for them;

stay off the lonely streets

where they are found.

8Don't stare at a married woman

with a beautiful figure.

A woman's beauty

can set men on fire

and has led many astray.

9Never have dinner or drinks

with someone else's wife.

To fall in love with her

is to fall to your death.

Looking for Happiness

10Don't desert old friends--

like bottles of aged wine,

they bring cheer

more than new ones.

11Don't be jealous of sinners

who receive praise;

you never can tell

how their life will end.

12Don't look for happiness

where ungodly people do.

You know they won't always

get away with their sins.

13Stay away from those

who are able to kill you,

and you won't live in fear

of death.

To be near them is to walk

through a field full of traps

or across a ledge

high on the city walls--

make one false step

and your life is over.

14Do your best to know

your close neighbors,

but only ask the wise ones

for advice.

15Speak with the wise

about the Law

of God Most High.

16Ask godly people over for dinner

and be proud

that you fear the Lord.

Leaders

17Craftsmen receive praise

if their work shows skill,

and the leaders of a nation

will be honored

for wise words.

18But loud, reckless leaders

are hated and feared.