Proverbs 22:1-29 NET

[1] A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth, good favor more than silver or gold. [2] The rich and the poor are met together; the LORD is the Creator of them both. [3] A shrewd person saw danger and hid himself, but the naive passed on by and paid for it. [4] The reward for humility and fearing the LORD is riches and honor and life. [5] Thorns and snares are in the path of the perverse, but the one who guards himself keeps far from them. [6] Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. [7] The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. [8] The one who sows iniquity will reap trouble, and the rod of his fury will end. [9] A generous person will be blessed, for he has given some of his food to the poor. [10] Drive out the scorner and contention will leave; strife and insults will cease. [11] The one who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious-the king will be his friend. [12] The eyes of the LORD watched over a cause, and subverted the words of the treacherous person. [13] The sluggard has said, "There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the middle of the streets!" [14] The mouth of an adulteress is like a deep pit; the one against whom the LORD is angry will fall into it. [15] Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him. [16] The one who oppresses the poor to increase his own gain and the one who gives to the rich-both end up only in poverty. [17] Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my instruction. [18] For it is pleasing if you keep these sayings within you, and they are ready on your lips. [19] So that your confidence may be in the LORD, I hereby make them known to you today-even you. [20] Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, [21] to show you true and reliable words, so that you may give accurate answers to those who sent you? [22] Do not exploit a poor person because he is poor and do not crush the needy in court, [23] for the LORD will plead their case and will rob the life of those who are robbing them. [24] Do not make friends with an angry person, and do not associate with a wrathful person, [25] lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. [26] Do not be one who strikes hands in pledge or who puts up security for debts. [27] If you do not have enough to pay, your bed will be taken right out from under you! [28] Do not move an ancient boundary stone that was put in place by your ancestors. [29] You have seen a person skilled in his work-he will take his position before kings; he will not take his position before obscure people.