Proverbs 22:1-29 NCV

[1] Being respected is more important than having great riches. To be well thought of is better than silver or gold. [2] The rich and the poor are alike in that the LORD made them all. [3] The wise see danger ahead and avoid it, but fools keep going and get into trouble. [4] Respecting the LORD and not being proud will bring you wealth, honor, and life. [5] Evil people's lives are like paths covered with thorns and traps. People who guard themselves don't have such problems. [6] Train children to live the right way, and when they are old, they will not stray from it. [7] The rich rule over the poor, and borrowers are servants to lenders. [8] Those who plan evil will receive trouble. Their cruel anger will come to an end. [9] Generous people will be blessed, because they share their food with the poor. [10] Get rid of the one who makes fun of wisdom. Then fighting, quarrels, and insults will stop. [11] Whoever loves pure thoughts and kind words will have even the king as a friend. [12] The LORD guards knowledge, but he destroys false words. [13] The lazy person says, "There's a lion outside! I might get killed out in the street!" [14] The words of an unfaithful wife are like a deep trap. Those who make the LORD angry will get caught by them. [15] Every child is full of foolishness, but punishment can get rid of it. [16] Whoever gets rich by mistreating the poor, and gives presents to the wealthy, will become poor. [17] Listen carefully to what wise people say; pay attention to what I am teaching you. [18] It will be good to keep these things in mind so that you are ready to repeat them. [19] I am teaching them to you now so that you will put your trust in the LORD. [20] I have written thirty sayings for you, which give knowledge and good advice. [21] I am teaching you true and reliable words so that you can give true answers to anyone who asks. [22] Do not abuse poor people because they are poor, and do not take away the rights of the needy in court. [23] The LORD will defend them in court and will take the life of those who take away their rights. [24] Don't make friends with quick-tempered people or spend time with those who have bad tempers. [25] If you do, you will be like them. Then you will be in real danger. [26] Don't promise to pay what someone else owes, and don't guarantee anyone's loan. [27] If you cannot pay the loan, your own bed may be taken right out from under you. [28] Don't move an old stone that marks a border, because those stones were set up by your ancestors. [29] Do you see people skilled in their work? They will work for kings, not for ordinary people.