Proverbs 22:1-29 CSB

[1] A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold. [2] Rich and poor have this in common: the LORD makes them all. [3] A sensible person sees danger and takes cover, but the inexperienced keep going and are punished. [4] Humility, the fear of the LORD, results in wealth, honor, and life. [5] There are thorns and snares on the way of the crooked; the one who guards himself stays far from them. [6] Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it. [7] The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender. [8] The one who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. [9] A generous person will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. [10] Drive out a mocker, and conflict goes too; then quarreling and dishonor will cease. [11] The one who loves a pure heart and gracious lips-the king is his friend. [12] The LORD's eyes keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the treacherous. [13] The slacker says, "There's a lion outside! I'll be killed in the public square!" [14] The mouth of the forbidden woman is a deep pit; a man cursed by the LORD will fall into it. [15] Foolishness is bound to the heart of a youth; a rod of discipline will separate it from him. [16] Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich-both lead only to poverty. [17] Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge. [18] For it is pleasing if you keep them within you and if they are constantly on your lips. [19] I have instructed you today-even you- so that your confidence may be in the LORD. [20] Haven't I written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge, [21] in order to teach you true and reliable words, so that you may give a dependable report to those who sent you? [22] Don't rob a poor person because he is poor, and don't crush the oppressed at the city gate, [23] for the LORD will champion their cause and will plunder those who plunder them. [24] Don't make friends with an angry person, and don't be a companion of a hot-tempered one, [25] or you will learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. [26] Don't be one of those who enter agreements, who put up security for loans. [27] If you have nothing with which to pay, even your bed will be taken from under you. [28] Don't move an ancient boundary marker that your ancestors set up. [29] Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of the unknown.