Proverbs 22

1A good reputation is worth choosing over great wealth; being well regarded is better than silver and gold. 2Rich and poor alike share one thing: the LORD is the maker of them all. 3Sensible people see danger coming and take cover, but the naive walk straight into it and suffer for it. 4Humility and the fear of the LORD bring their reward: riches, honor, and life. 5Thorns and traps lie on the road of the crooked; whoever values their life stays well away from them. 6Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not leave it. 7The rich lord it over the poor, and whoever borrows becomes the lender’s slave. 8Those who sow injustice will reap disaster, and the rod they swing in anger will fail. 9Generous people will be blessed, because they share their food with the poor. 10Throw out the mocker, and conflict goes too; quarrels and insults come to an end. 11Whoever loves a pure heart and speaks with grace will have the king for a friend. 12The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he brings the words of the faithless to nothing. 13The lazy one says, “A lion is out there! I will be murdered in the open street!” 14The talk of forbidden women is a deep pit; anyone the LORD is angry with will fall into it. 15Foolishness is tied fast to a child’s heart, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away. 16Whoever exploits the poor to get rich, or hands gifts to the rich, will only end up in need. 17Bend your ear and hear what the wise have said, and set your mind on the knowledge I give, 18for it is good to keep them deep inside you, every one of them ready on your lips. 19I am teaching you today, yes, you, so that you will put your trust in the LORD. 20Have I not written you thirty sayings full of counsel and knowledge, 21to teach you what is right and reliable, so that you can bring back a true answer to those who send you?

22Do not rob the poor just because they are poor, and do not crush the needy in court, 23for the LORD will take up their cause and take the life of those who plunder them. 24Do not make friends with someone hot-tempered, and do not keep company with those quick to rage, 25or you may learn their ways and set a trap for your own life. 26Do not be one of those who shake hands on a pledge and guarantee other people’s loans. 27If you cannot pay, why let them take even the bed you sleep on? 28Do not shift the old boundary stone that your ancestors put in place. 29Do you see someone who is skilled at their work? They will serve kings, not people of no account.