Proverbs 22:1-29 CEB

[1] A good reputation is better than much wealth; high esteem is better than silver and gold. [2] The rich and the poor have this in common: the LORD made them both. [3] Prudent people see trouble and hide, while the simpleminded go right to it and get punished. [4] The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD is wealth, honor, and life. [5] Thorns and nets are in the path of the crooked; those who guard their lives keep their distance. [6] Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it. [7] The wealthy rule over the poor; a borrower is a slave to a lender. [8] Those who sow injustice will harvest evil; the rod of their fury will come to an end. [9] Happy are generous people, because they give some of their food to the poor. [10] Remove the mocker and conflict disappears; judgment and shame also stop. [11] Those who love a pure heart—their speech is gracious, and the king is their friend. [12] The LORD’s eyes protect knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the treacherous. [13] A lazy person says, “There’s a lion in the street! I’ll be killed in the town square!” [14] The mouth of a mysterious woman is a deep pit; those under the LORD’s wrath will fall in it. [15] Folly is bound up in a child’s heart; the rod of discipline removes it. [16] Oppressing the poor to get rich and giving to the wealthy lead only to poverty. [17] Turn your ear and hear the words of the wise; focus your mind on my knowledge. [18] It will be pleasant if you keep the words in you, if you have them ready on your lips. [19] So that your trust will be in the LORD, I’m teaching you today—yes, you. [20] Haven’t I written for you thirty sayings full of advice and knowledge? [21] Their purpose is to teach you true, reliable words, so you can report back reliably to those who sent you. [22] Don’t steal from the poor, because they are poor. Don’t oppress the needy in the gate. [23] The LORD will take up their case and press the life out of those who oppress them. [24] Don’t befriend people controlled by anger; don’t associate with hot-tempered people; [25] otherwise, you will learn their ways and become trapped. [26] Don’t shake hands to guarantee a loan. [27] If you can’t repay, why should they be able to take your bed from you? [28] Don’t remove an ancient boundary marker that your ancestors established. [29] Do you see people who work skillfully? They will work for kings but not work for lowly people.