Proverbs 22

1A good name is more desirable than great riches,
and loving favour is better than silver and gold.
2The rich and the poor have this in common:
The LORD is the maker of them all.
3A prudent man sees danger and hides himself;
but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
4The result of humility and the fear of the LORD
is wealth, honour, and life.
5Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked;
whoever guards his soul stays far from them.
6Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.
7The rich rule over the poor.
The borrower is servant to the lender.
8He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
9He who has a generous eye will be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor.
10Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out;
yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
11He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully
is the king’s friend.
12The LORD’s eyes watch over knowledge,
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
13The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
I will be killed in the streets!”
14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit.
He who is under the LORD’s wrath will fall into it.
15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child;
the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich,
both come to poverty.
17Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise.
Apply your heart to my teaching.
18For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
19I teach you today, even you,
so that your trust may be in the LORD.
20Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things
of counsel and knowledge,
21To teach you truth, reliable words,
to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
22Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor;
and don’t crush the needy in court;
23for the LORD will plead their case,
and plunder the life of those who plunder them.
24Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man.
Don’t associate with one who harbours anger,
25lest you learn his ways
and ensnare your soul.
26Don’t you be one of those who strike hands,
of those who are collateral for debts.
27If you don’t have means to pay,
why should he take away your bed from under you?
28Don’t move the ancient boundary stone
which your fathers have set up.
29Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve kings.
He won’t serve obscure men.