Proverbs 22:1-29 WEB

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