Proverbs 22

1A good name is worth more than great riches, and being well thought of is worth more than silver and gold.

2Rich and poor have this in common: the LORD made them both.

3A sensible person sees danger and hides, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

4Humility and respecting the LORD bring riches, honor, and life.

5Thorns and snares are on the path of a dishonest person, but whoever guards their own life stays far from them.

6Train up a child in the way that child should go, and when that child is old, that child will not turn from it.

7The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender.

8Whoever plants injustice will harvest disaster, and the weapon of that person's fury will fail.

9A generous person will be blessed, because that generous person shares food with the poor.

10Drive out a mocker, and conflict goes with the mocker; arguing and insults will stop.

11Whoever loves a pure heart and speaks with grace will have the king as a friend.

12The eyes of the LORD watch over knowledge, but the LORD overturns the words of the unfaithful.

13A lazy person says: There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!

14The mouth of a woman who is unfaithful is a deep pit; whoever is under the LORD's anger will fall into it.

15Foolishness is tied up in a child's heart, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from that child.

16Whoever oppresses the poor to grow rich, and whoever gives gifts to the rich, will both come to poverty.

17Listen closely, and hear the words of the wise; apply your heart to my knowledge,

18because it is pleasant to keep these words within you, ready on your lips.

19So that your trust may be in the LORD, I am teaching you today, yes, you.

20Have I not written for you thirty sayings, full of good advice and knowledge,

21so that you may know the truth of these reliable words, and take back a true answer to the one who sent you?

22Do not rob the poor because they are poor, and do not crush the needy in court,

23because the LORD will take up their case, and will take the life of those who take advantage of them.

24Do not make friends with an angry person, and do not associate with anyone who has a hot temper,

25or you may learn that hot-tempered person's ways and set a trap for your own soul.

26Do not be one who shakes hands in agreement or puts up security for debts.

27If you have nothing to pay with, why should your bed be taken from under you?

28Do not move an ancient boundary stone that your ancestors set up.

29Do you see someone skilled in their work? That skilled person will serve before kings, not before unknown people.