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