Proverbs 22:1-29 ERV
Proverbs 22:1-29 ERV [1] It is better to be respected than to be rich. A good name is worth more than silver or gold. [2] The rich and the poor are the same. The LORD made them all. [3] Wise people see trouble coming and get out of its way, but fools go straight to it and suffer for it. [4] Respect the LORD and be humble. Then you will have wealth, honor, and true life. [5] Evil people are trapped by many troubles, but those who want to live avoid them. [6] Teach children in a way that fits their needs, and even when they are old, they will not leave the right path. [7] The rich rule over the poor. The one who borrows is a slave to the one who lends. [8] Those who spread trouble will harvest trouble. In the end, they will be destroyed for the trouble they caused. [9] Generous people will be blessed, because they share their food with the poor. [10] Get rid of the proud who laugh at what is right, and trouble will leave with them. All arguments and insults will end. [11] Love a pure heart and kind words, and the king will be your friend. [12] The LORD watches over true knowledge, and he opposes those who try to deceive others. [13] A person who is lazy and wants to stay home says, "There is a lion outside, and I might be killed in the streets!" [14] The sin of adultery is a trap, and the LORD gets very angry with those who fall into it. [15] Children do foolish things, but if you punish them, they will learn not to do them. [16] These two things will make you poor: hurting the poor to make yourself rich and giving gifts to the rich. [17] Listen carefully to these words from the wise. Pay attention to what I have learned. [18] It will be good for you to remember these words and have them ready when they are needed. [19] I will teach you these things now. I want you to trust the LORD. [20] I have written 30 sayings for you. These are words of advice and wisdom. [21] They will teach you things that you can know for sure to be true. Then you can give good answers to the one who sent you. [22] It is easy to steal from the poor, but don't do it. And don't take advantage of them in court. [23] The LORD is on their side. He supports the poor, and he will take from those who take from them. [24] Don't be friends with people who become angry easily. Don't stay around quick-tempered people. [25] If you do, you may learn to be like them. Then you will have the same problems they do. [26] Don't promise to pay someone else's debt. [27] If you cannot pay, you will lose everything you have. So why should you lose the bed you sleep on? [28] Never move an old property line that was marked long ago by your ancestors. [29] Skilled workers will always serve kings. They will never have to work for less important people.
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