Proverbs 22:1-29 AMP

[1] A good name [earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity] is more desirable than great riches; And favor is better than silver and gold. [2] The rich and poor have a common bond; The LORD is the Maker of them all. [3] A prudent and far-sighted person sees the evil [of sin] and hides himself [from it], But the naive continue on and are punished [by suffering the consequences of sin]. [4] The reward of humility [that is, having a realistic view of one’s importance] and the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the LORD Is riches, honor, and life. [5] Thorns and snares are in the way of the obstinate [for their lack of honor and their wrong-doing traps them]; He who guards himself [with godly wisdom] will be far from them and avoid the consequences they suffer. [6] Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it. [7] The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender. [8] He who sows injustice will reap [a harvest of] trouble, And the rod of his wrath [with which he oppresses others] will fail. [9] He who is generous will be blessed, For he gives some of his food to the poor. [10] Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go away; Even strife and dishonor will cease. [11] He who loves purity of heart And whose speech is gracious will have the king as his friend. [12] The eyes of the LORD keep guard over knowledge and the one who has it, But He overthrows the words of the treacherous. [13] The lazy one [manufactures excuses and] says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets [if I go out to work]!” [14] The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit [deep and inescapable]; He who is cursed by the LORD [because of his adulterous sin] will fall into it. [15] Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline [correction administered with godly wisdom and lovingkindness] will remove it far from him. [16] He who oppresses or exploits the poor to get more for himself Or who gives to the rich [to gain influence and favor], will only come to poverty. [17] Listen carefully and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; [18] For it will be pleasant if you keep them in mind [incorporating them as guiding principles]; Let them be ready on your lips [to guide and strengthen yourself and others]. [19] So that your trust and reliance and confidence may be in the LORD, I have taught these things to you today, even to you. [20] Have I not written to you excellent things In counsels and knowledge, [21] To let you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may give a correct answer to him who sent you? [22] Do not rob the poor because he is poor [and defenseless], Nor crush the afflicted [by legal proceedings] at the gate [where the city court is held], [23] For the LORD will plead their case And take the life of those who rob them. [24] Do not even associate with a man given to angry outbursts; Or go [along] with a hot-tempered man, [25] Or you will learn his [undisciplined] ways And get yourself trapped [in a situation from which it is hard to escape]. [26] Do not be among those who give pledges [involving themselves in others’ finances], Or among those who become guarantors for others’ debts. [27] If you have nothing with which to pay [another’s debt when he defaults], Why should his creditor take your bed from under you? [28] Do not move the ancient landmark [at the boundary of the property] Which your fathers have set. [29] Do you see a man skillful and experienced in his work? He will stand [in honor] before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.