1. Zeal without knowledge (1-10)

Zeal is good but it must be tempered with the knowledge of God. One who is angry with the Lord for his troubles (3) is a fool. The poor man who walks blamelessly is better than a fool whose lips are perverse (1). But we must work hard to be able to give (15), for no one will be found around the poor who have nothing to share (4,6,17). A false witness and one who lies will be punished by God (5,9).

2. Wisdom makes men prosperous (11-17)

Wisdom comes from God and enables one to be patient and forgive offenders. Houses and wealth are inherited from parents but a prudent wife and a happy family come from the Lord (13,14).