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