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The Deceptiveness of Appearances

11The wisdom of the humble lifts their heads high,
   and seats them among the great.
² Do not praise individuals for their good looks,
   or loathe anyone because of appearance alone.
³ The bee is small among flying creatures,
   but what it produces is the best of sweet things.
⁴ Do not boast about wearing fine clothes,
   and do not exalt yourself when you are honoured;
for the works of the Lord are wonderful,
   and his works are concealed from humankind.
⁵ Many kings have had to sit on the ground,
   but one who was never thought of has worn a crown.
⁶ Many rulers have been utterly disgraced,
   and the honoured have been handed over to others.

¹⁴ Good things and bad, life and death,
   poverty and wealth, come from the Lord.^*
17 The Lord’s gift remains with the devout,
   and his favour brings lasting success.