Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22

1 A good name is more desirable than great riches;

to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

2 Rich and poor have this in common:

The LORD is the Maker of them all.

3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge,

but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

4 Humility and the fear of the LORD

bring wealth and honor and life.

5 In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares,

but he who guards his soul stays far from them.

6 Train a child in the way he should go,

and when he is old he will not turn from it.

7 The rich rule over the poor,

and the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,

and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

9 A generous man will himself be blessed,

for he shares his food with the poor.

10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;

quarrels and insults are ended.

11 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious

will have the king for his friend.

12 The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,

but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!"

or, "I will be murdered in the streets!"

14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit;

he who is under the LORD's wrath will fall into it.

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,

but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth

and he who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise;

apply your heart to what I teach,

18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart

and have all of them ready on your lips.

19 So that your trust may be in the LORD,

I teach you today, even you.

20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,

sayings of counsel and knowledge,

21 teaching you true and reliable words,

so that you can give sound answers

to him who sent you?

22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor

and do not crush the needy in court,

23 for the LORD will take up their case

and will plunder those who plunder them.

24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man,

do not associate with one easily angered,

25 or you may learn his ways

and get yourself ensnared.

26 Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge

puts up security for debts;

27 if you lack the means to pay,

your very bed will be snatched from under you.

28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone

set up by your forefathers.

29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?

He will serve before kings;

he will not serve before obscure men