Proverbs 22:1-29 AMPC

[1] A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. [2] The rich and poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. [3] A prudent man sees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished [with suffering]. [4] The reward of humility and the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. [5] Thorns and snares are in the way of the obstinate and willful; he who guards himself will be far from them. [6] Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it. [7] The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. [8] He who sows iniquity will reap calamity and futility, and the rod of his wrath [with which he smites others] will fail. [9] He who has a bountiful eye shall be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. [10] Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out; yes, strife and abuse will cease. [11] He who loves purity and the pure in heart and who is gracious in speech-because of the grace of his lips will he have the king for his friend. [12] The eyes of the Lord keep guard over knowledge and him who has it, but He overthrows the words of the treacherous. [13] The sluggard says, There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets! [14] The mouth of a loose woman is a deep pit [for ensnaring wild animals]; he with whom the Lord is indignant and who is abhorrent to Him will fall into it. [15] Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him. [16] He who oppresses the poor to get gain for himself and he who gives to the rich-both will surely come to want. [17] Listen (consent and submit) to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; [18] For it will be pleasant if you keep them in your mind [believing them]; your lips will be accustomed to [confessing] them. [19] So that your trust (belief, reliance, support, and confidence) may be in the Lord, I have made known these things to you today, even to you. [20] Have I not written to you [long ago] excellent things in counsels and knowledge, [21] To make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you? [22] Rob not the poor [being tempted by their helplessness], neither oppress the afflicted at the gate [where the city court is held], [23] For the Lord will plead their cause and deprive of life those who deprive [the poor or afflicted]. [24] Make no friendships with a man given to anger, and with a wrathful man do not associate, [25] Lest you learn his ways and get yourself into a snare. [26] Be not one of those who strike hands and pledge themselves, or of those who become security for another's debts. [27] If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take your bed from under you? [28] Remove not the ancient landmark which your fathers have set up. [29] Do you see a man diligent and skillful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.