Proverbs 22:1-29 VOICE

[1] A good reputation is preferable to riches, and the approval of others is better than precious silver or gold. [2] Rich and poor have something in common: both are created by the Eternal. [3] Prudent people see trouble coming and hide, but the naive walk right into it and take a beating. [4] A humble person who fears the Eternal can expect to receive wealth, honor, and life. [5] Thorny branches and traps lie ahead for those who follow perverse paths; those who want to preserve themselves will steer clear of them. [6] Teach a child how to follow the right way; even when he is old, he will stay on course. [7] The rich lord it over the poor, and the borrower is the slave to the lender. [8] Those who sow injustice reap disaster, and their methods of oppression will fail. [9] Generous people are genuinely blessed because they share their food with the poor. [10] Expel a mocker, and watch the wrangling go with him; rivalry and rude remarks will also stop. [11] Those who love a pure heart and speak with grace will find that the king is their friend. [12] The Eternal keeps a watchful eye on those with knowledge, but He subverts the words of the faithless. [13] A lazy person says, "A lion! Right outside! I will surely die in the streets! Yet another good reason to stay in today." [14] The alluring words of a seductive woman are a deep hole; the Eternal is incensed toward those who fall in. [15] Foolishness consumes the heart of a child, but corporal punishment, properly administered, drives it far away. [16] If you take advantage of the poor or coddle the rich to get ahead, you will end up destitute. [17] Lend an ear, listen to these words of the wise, and align your thoughts with my instructions [18] Because true pleasure will be yours by learning them, living them, and being ready to repeat them to others. [19] In order that you will trust only in the Eternal, I teach them to you this day-yes, even you! [20] In fact, didn't I already write down for you Thirty axioms of good advice and sound knowledge [21] To reveal to you what is reliably true so you can answer those who sent you with these truths you've learned? [22] Do not cheat poor people just because they are vulnerable or use shady tactics in court to crush those already suffering; [23] For the Eternal is ready to take their case, and He ruins anyone who is out to ruin them. [24] Do not befriend someone given to anger or hang around with a hothead. [25] Odds are, you'll learn his ways, become angry as well, and get caught in a trap. [26] Do not be a person to guarantee someone else's loan or put up collateral for the debts of an acquaintance; [27] For if you do and you can't repay, won't you risk having your bed ripped out from under you? [28] Do not steal property from your neighbors by moving the boundary markers your ancestors established. [29] And as for those who are skilled in their work, they will be recognized and invited to serve kings rather than regular folk.