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