[Intro: gritty Hammond B3 riff, funky drums, tambourine] [Verse: soulful powerful lead vocal, groovy] Better is the poor that walks in his innocence, than he that engages in crooked speech, and is a fool. Also, for the soul to be without knowledge isn’t good; and he that hurries with his feet is a sinner. A man’s foolishness ruins his way: and his heart rages against YAHWEH. Wealth makes many friends; but the poor man is divided from his friend. A false witness won’t be unpunished, and he that breathes lies won’t escape. Many will ask the favor of the generous: and all befriend a man with gifts. All the relatives of the poor hate him: surely his friends withdraw from him. Though he pursues them with words, they stay away from him. He that acquires wisdom loves his soul: he that guards understanding will find good. A false witness won’t be unpunished, and he that breathes lies will perish. [Chorus: full gospel choir joins, call and response, anthemic, joyful] It isn’t fitting for a fool to live in luxury; much less for a servant to have rule over leaders. A man with good sense slows his anger; and it is his glory to ignore an offense. The king’s wrath is like the roar of a young lion; but his favor is like dew on the grass. A stupid son is the ruin of his father: and a contentious woman is like a endless dripping. A house and wealth are the inheritance from fathers: and a sensible woman comes from YAHWEH. Laziness brings a deep sleep; and a treacherous soul will go hungry. He that observes a commandment guards his soul; but he that despises his ways will die. [Verse: soulful powerful lead vocal, groovy] He that is gracious to the poor lends to YAHWEH; and He will repay him for his good deed. Discipline your son while there is hope, and don’t let your soul get so angry that you kill him! A man of great wrath will bear punishment: because if you deliver him, his wrath will increase. Hear advise, and receive correction, so that you may grow wise in your latter years. There are many thoughts in a man’s heart; only the counsel of YAHWEH, will stand. [Chorus: full gospel choir joins, call and response, anthemic, joyful] The longing for a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a rich man that lies. The fear of YAHWEH brings to life: and he that has it will rest satisfied; he won’t be remembered for evil. A lazy man buries his hand in his dish, and won’t even return it to his mouth. Strike a scoffer, and the simple grows clever: and correct an understanding one, and he will understand even more knowledge. He that robs his father, and chases away his mother, is a son that causes shame, and humiliates. Stop straying , my son, from the words of knowledge, so that you can hear instruction. [Bridge: organ solo, preaching vocal ad-libs] A worthless witness scorns judgment: and the mouth of the wicked swallows wickedness. Judgments are ready for scorners, and blows for the backs of fools. Better is the poor that walks in his innocence, than he that engages in crooked speech, and is a fool. [Outro: choir chant, handclaps, ecstatic fade]
