Better is a poor
man who
lives uprightly
Than one who is dishonest, though he be rich.
Better is a little with righteousness
Than great
abundance with injustice.
Better is a modest
spirit with the humble,
Than to
divide spoil with the proud.
A good name is better than great riches,
More highly valued than silver and gold.
He who trusts in riches shall fail,
But the
upright flourish like a
green leaf.
Toil not that you may become rich;
Cease through your own understanding.
Should you set your
eyes upon it, it is gone!
For riches
fly away,
Like an
eagle that flies toward heaven.
Better is little with reverence for the Lord
Than great
treasure and
trouble as well.
Two things I
ask of thee, O God,
Deny me them not ere I die:
Put far from me
deceit and lying,
Give me neither
poverty nor riches;
Provide me with the
food that I need,
That I may not be
filled to the full and
deny thee,
And say, "Who is the Lord?"
Or else be poor and steal,
And disgrace the name of my God.