31 ¹ Wakefulness over wealth wastes away one's flesh,
and anxiety about it removes sleep.
31 ² Wakeful anxiety prevents slumber,
and a severe illness carries off sleep.
31 ³ The rich man toils as his wealth accumulates,
and when he rests he fills himself with his dainties.
31 ⁴ The poor man toils as his livelihood diminishes,
and when he rests he becomes needy.

31 ⁵ He who loves gold will not be justified,
and he who pursues money will be led astray by it.
31 ⁶ Many have come to ruin because of gold,
and their destruction has met them face to face.
31 ⁷ It is a stumbling block to those who are devoted to it,
and every fool will be taken captive by it.
31 ⁸ Blessed is the rich man who is found blameless,
and who does not go after gold.
31 ⁹ Who is he? And we will call him blessed,
for he has done wonderful things among his people.
31 ¹⁰ Who has been tested by it and been found perfect?
Let it be for him a ground for boasting.
Who has had the power to transgress and did not transgress,
and to do evil and did not do it?
31 ¹¹ His prosperity will be established,
and the assembly will relate his acts of charity.