Proverbs 22
22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches, And loving favor is better than silver and gold.
22:2 The rich and the poor have this in common: Yahweh 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 Yahweh Is wealth, honor, 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 eyes of Yahweh 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 Yahweh'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 That your trust may be in Yahweh, I teach you today, even you.
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 Yahweh will plead their case, And plunder the life of those who plunder them.
22:24 Don't befriend a hot-tempered man, And don't associate with one who harbors 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.