Proverbs 22

Chapter 22

1 Choose a good reputation over great riches;
being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.2 The rich and poor have this in common:
The LORD made them both.3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.4 True humility and fear of the LORD
lead to riches, honor, and long life.5 Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road;
whoever values life will avoid it.6 Direct your children onto the right path,
and when they are older, they will not leave it.7 Just as the rich rule the poor,
so the borrower is servant to the lender.8 Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster,
and their reign of terror will come to an end.t9 Blessed are those who are generous,
because they feed the poor.10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too.
Quarrels and insults will disappear.11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech
will have the king as a friend.12 The LORD preserves those with knowledge,
but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there!
If I go outside, I might be killed!”14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap;
those who make the LORD angry will fall into it.15 A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness,
but physical discipline will drive it far away.16 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor
or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.

Sayings of the Wise

17 Listen to the words of the wise;
apply your heart to my instruction.18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart
and always ready on your lips.19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—
so you will trust in the LORD.20 I have written thirty sayingst for you,
filled with advice and knowledge.21 In this way, you may know the truth
and take an accurate report to those who sent you.22 Don’t rob the poor just because you can,
or exploit the needy in court.23 For the LORD is their defender.
He will ruin anyone who ruins them.24 Don’t befriend angry people
or associate with hot-tempered people,25 or you will learn to be like them
and endanger your soul.26 Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt
or put up security for someone else.27 If you can’t pay it,
even your bed will be snatched from under you.28 Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers
set up by previous generations.29 Do you see any truly competent workers?
They will serve kings
rather than working for ordinary people.

PROVERBS 22

The Value //of a Good Reputation

1 A good reputation and respect
are worth much more
than silver and gold.

2 The rich and the poor
are all created
by the [Lord].

3 When you see trouble coming,
don't be stupid
and walk right into it—
be smart and hide.

4 Respect and serve the [Lord]!
Your reward will be wealth,
a long life, and honor.

5 Crooks walk down a road
full of thorny traps.
Stay away from there!

6  t Teach your children
right from wrong,
and when they are grown
they will still do right.

7 The poor are ruled by the rich,
and those who borrow
are slaves of moneylenders.

8 Troublemakers get in trouble,
and their terrible anger
will get them nowhere.

9 The [Lord] blesses everyone
who freely gives food
to the poor.

10 Arguments and fights
will come to an end,
if you chase away those
who insult others.

11 The king is the friend of all
who are sincere
and speak with kindness.

12 The [Lord] watches over everyone
who shows good sense,
but he frustrates the plans
of deceitful liars.

13 Don't be so lazy that you say,
“If I go to work,
a lion will eat me!”

14 The words of a bad woman
are like a deep pit;
if you make the [Lord] angry,
you will fall right in.

15 All children are foolish,
but firm correction
will make them change.

16 Cheat the poor to make profit
or give gifts to the rich—
either way you lose.

Thirty Wise Sayings

17 Here are some sayings
of people with wisdom,
so listen carefully
as I teach.

18 You will be glad
that you know these sayings
and can recite them.

19 I am teaching them today,
so that you
may trust the [Lord].

20 I have written thirty sayings
filled with sound advice.

21 You can trust them completely
to give you the right words
for those in charge of you.

–1–

22 Don't take advantage
of the poor
or cheat them in court.

23 The [Lord] is their defender,
and what you do to them,
he will do to you.

–2–

24 Don't make friends with anyone
who has a bad temper.

25 You might turn out like them
and get caught in a trap.

–3–

26 Don't guarantee to pay
someone else's debt.

27 If you don't have the money,
you might lose your bed.

–4–

28 Don't move a boundary markert
set up by your ancestors.

–5–

29 If you do your job well,
you will work for a ruler
and never be a slave.