Proverbs 22

1Repute is preferable to great wealth,Grace is better than silver and gold.

2The rich and the poor meet; GOD made them both.

3One who was shrewd saw trouble and took cover;The simple kept going and paid the penalty.

4The effect of humility is fear of GOD,Wealth, honor, and life.

5Thorns and snares are in the path of the crooked;Those who value their life will keep far from them.

6Train children in the way they each ought to go;They will not swerve from it even in old age.

7A rich person rules the poor,And the borrower is a slave to the man who lends.

8One who sows injustice shall reap misfortune;The rod of wrath shall fail.

9One who is generous is blessed,While giving bread to the poor.

10Expel the scoffer and contention departs,Quarrel and contumely cease.

11A pure-hearted comrade—His speech is gracious;He has the king for his companion.

12The eyes of GOD watch the person who is wise; [God] subverts the words of the treacherous.

13The sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the street;I shall be killed if I step outside.”

14The mouth of a forbidden woman is a deep pit;He who is doomed by GOD falls into it.

15If folly settles in the heart of a youth,The rod of discipline will remove it.

16To profit by withholding what is due to the poorIs like making gifts to the rich—pure loss.

17Incline your ear and listen to the words of the sages;Pay attention to my wisdom.

18It is good that you store them inside you,And that all of them be constantly on your lips,

19That you may put your trust in GOD.I let you know today—yes, you—

20Indeed, I wrote down for you a threefold lore, Wise counsel,

21To let you know truly reliable words,That you may give a faithful reply to those who sent you.

22Do not rob the wretched because they are wretched;Do not crush the poor in the gate;

23For GOD will take up their causeAnd despoil those who despoil them of life.

24Do not associate with a hothead,Or go about with a hot-tempered man,

25Lest you learn their waysAnd find yourself ensnared.

26Do not be one of those who give their hand,Who stand surety for debts,

27Lest your bed be taken from under youWhen you have no money to pay.

28Do not remove the ancient boundary stoneThat your ancestors set up.

29See a man skilled at his work—He shall attend upon kings;He shall not attend upon the lowly.