Proverbs 22

ISV^{(i) 1} Advice for Everyday Life A good reputation is more desirable than great wealth, and favorable acceptance more than silver and gold. ² The rich and the poor have this in common— the LORD created both of them. ³ The prudent person sees trouble ahead and hides, but the naive continue on and suffer the consequences. ⁴ The reward of humility is the fear of the LORD, along with wealth, honor, and life. ⁵ Thorns and snares lie in the path of the perverse person, but whoever is cautious stays far away from them. ⁶ Train a child in the way appropriate for him, and when he becomes older, he will not turn from it. ⁷ The wealthy rule over the poor, and anyone who borrows is a slave to the lender. ⁸ Whoever sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the anger he uses for a weapon will be destroyed. ⁹ Whoever is generous will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. ¹⁰ Throw out the mocker and strife departs, too; furthermore, quarrels and discord will end. ¹¹ Whoever loves purity and gracious speech will gain the king as his friend. ¹² The LORD watches over anyone with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the unfaithful. ¹³ The lazy person says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the street!” ¹⁴ The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; a man experiencing the LORD’s wrath will fall into it. ¹⁵ A child’s heart has a tendency to do wrong, but the rod of discipline removes it far away from him. ¹⁶ Whoever oppresses the poor to enrich himself and whoever gives gifts to the wealthy will yield only loss.
¹⁷ Sayings of the WisePay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my teaching, ¹⁸ for it is pleasant when you treasure them within you and have them ready on your lips. ¹⁹ As a result, your trust will be in the LORD, that’s why I’m teaching you today, even you. ²⁰ Have I not written for you 30 sayings containing counsel and knowledge, ²¹ to teach you true and reliable advice, so you can give truthful answers to those who sent you? ²² Don’t rob the poor person because he is poor, and don’t crush the helpless in court, ²³ for the LORD will plead their case and ruin the lives of those who ruin them. ²⁴ Don’t make friends with a hot-tempered man, and do not associate with someone who is easily angered, ²⁵ or you may learn his ways and find yourself caught in a trap. ²⁶ Don’t be one of those who make promises to guarantee loans for debts. ²⁷ If you don’t have the ability to pay, why should your very bed be taken from under you? ²⁸ Don’t remove an ancient boundary stone that was set up by your ancestors. ²⁹ Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will work for kings, not unimportant people.