Proverbs 22:1-29 NIrV

[1] You should want a good name more than you want great riches. To be highly respected is better than having silver or gold. [2] The LORD made rich people and poor people. That’s what they have in common. [3] Wise people see danger and go to a safe place. But childish people keep going and suffer for it. [4] Being humble comes from having respect for the LORD. This will bring you wealth and honor and life. [5] Thorns and traps lie in the paths of evil people. But those who value their lives stay far away from them. [6] Start children off on the right path. And even when they are old, they will not turn away from it. [7] Rich people rule over those who are poor. Borrowers are slaves to lenders. [8] Anyone who plants evil gathers a harvest of trouble. Their power to treat others badly will be destroyed. [9] Those who give freely will be blessed. That’s because they share their food with those who are poor. [10] If you drive away those who make fun of others, fighting also goes away. Arguing and unkind words will stop. [11] A person who has a pure and loving heart and speaks kindly will be a friend of the king. [12] The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge. But he does away with the words of those who aren’t faithful. [13] People who don’t want to work say, “There’s a lion outside!” Or they say, “I’ll be murdered if I go out into the streets!” [14] The mouth of a woman who commits adultery is like a deep pit. Any man the LORD is angry with falls into it. [15] Children are going to do foolish things. But correcting them will drive that foolishness far away. [16] You might treat poor people badly or give gifts to rich people. Trying to get rich in these ways will instead make you poor. [17] Pay attention and listen to the sayings of wise people. Apply your heart to the sayings I teach. [18] It is pleasing when you keep them in your heart. Have all of them ready on your lips. [19] You are the one I am teaching today. That’s because I want you to trust in the LORD. [20] I have written 30 sayings for you. They will give you knowledge and good advice. [21] I am teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth. Then you can give honest reports to those you serve. [22] Don’t take advantage of poor people just because they are poor. Don’t treat badly those who are in need by taking them to court. [23] The LORD will stand up for them in court. He will require the lives of people who have taken the lives of those in need. [24] Don’t be a friend of a person who has a bad temper. Don’t go around with a person who gets angry easily. [25] You might learn their habits. And then you will be trapped by them. [26] Don’t agree to pay for what someone else owes. And don’t agree to pay their bills for them. [27] If you don’t have the money to pay, your bed will be taken right out from under you! [28] Don’t move old boundary stones set up by your people of long ago. [29] Do you see someone who does good work? That person will serve kings. That person won’t serve officials of lower rank.