22
1
A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.
2
The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all.
3
The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.
4
The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.
5
Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them.
6
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
7
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
8
He who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
9
A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
10
Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease.
11
He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend.
12
The LORD’s eyes keep watch over knowledge, but He frustrates the words of the faithless.
13
The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!”
14
The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the wrath of the LORD will fall into it.
15
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
Saying 1
16
Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty.
17
Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise — apply your mind to my knowledge —
18
for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips.
19
So that your trust may be in the LORD, I instruct you today — yes, you.
20
Have I not written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge,
Saying 2
21
to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?
22
Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate,
Saying 3
23
for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.
24
Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man,
Saying 4
25
or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
26
Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts.
Saying 5
27
If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
Saying 6
28
Do not move an ancient boundary stone which your fathers have placed.
29
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
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