ProverbsChapter 22

1A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.

2The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all.

3The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.

4The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.

5Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who 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, and the borrower is slave to the lender.

8He who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

9A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

10Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease.

11He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend.

12The LORD’s eyes keep watch over knowledge, but He frustrates the words of the faithless.

13The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!”

14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the wrath of the LORD will fall into it.

15Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

16Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty.

17Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise—apply your mind to my knowledge—

18for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips.

19So that your trust may be in the LORD, I instruct you today—yes, you.

20Have I not written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge,

21to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?

22Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate,

23for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.

24Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man,

25or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

26Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts.

27If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?

28Do not move an ancient boundary stone which your fathers have placed.

29Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.