Proverbs 22
1 A good reputation is a much better choice than plenty of money; respect is better than silver and gold.
A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
2 The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord created them all.
The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is the maker of them all.
3 If you're sensible you see danger coming and get out of the way; but stupid people just keep going and pay for it.
A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
4 The reward you receive for being humble and respecting the Lord is wealth, honor, and life.
The result of humility and the fear of the LORD is wealth, honor, and life.
5 Thorns and traps lie in the path of crooked people; those who value their lives will stay away from them.
Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked; whoever guards his soul stays far from them.
6 Teach children the right way to live, and when they grow up they'll go on doing so.
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 the poor, and borrowers are slaves to their lenders.
The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.
8 Those who sow injustice will reap disaster, and the angry beatings they inflict on others will be stopped.
He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
9 If you're generous, you'll be blessed, for you share your food with those in need.
He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
10 Get rid of the scornful, and you'll get rid of conflict too—no more arguments or insults!
Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
11 Anyone who loves sincerity and a gracious way of speaking will have the king as their friend.
He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully is the king’s friend.
12 The Lord watches over true knowledge, but counteracts the words of liars.
The LORD’s eyes watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
13 Lazy people make claims like, “There's a lion outside! I might be killed if I go out there!”
The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!”
14 The seductive words of an immoral woman are a dangerous trap—if the Lord's angry with you, then you'll fall right in.
The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit. He who is under the LORD’s wrath will fall into it.
15 Children are naturally foolish; physical correction helps them to see sense.
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16 If you oppress the poor to make yourself rich, or if you're generous to the rich, you'll end up poor yourself.
Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, both come to poverty.
17 Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and think carefully about my teachings—
Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching.
18 for it's good to keep them in mind so you can be ready to share them.
For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 I'm explaining this to you today so you can trust in the Lord—yes, you!
I teach you today, even you, so that your trust may be in the LORD.
20 Haven't I written down for you thirty sayings of advice and wisdom?
Have not I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge,
21 They are to make it clear to you what's right and true, so you can give a truthful explanation to those who sent you.
To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
22 For you shouldn't steal from the poor just because they're poor; and you shouldn't crush those with limited means in court,
Do not exploit the poor because he is poor; and do not crush the needy in court;
23 for the Lord will plead their case, and he will take back whatever was stolen from them.
for the LORD will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.
24 Don't make friends with someone who gets upset easily; don't associate with angry people,
Do not befriend a hot-tempered man. Do not associate with one who harbors anger,
25 in case you learn to be like them and make a mess of your life.
lest you learn his ways and ensnare your soul.
26 Don't shake hands and guarantee someone's debt,
Do not you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts.
27 for if you can't pay, why should your bed be taken away from beneath you?
If you do not have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?
28 Don't move ancient boundary markers that your forefathers put in place.
Do not move the ancient boundary stone which your fathers have set up.
29 If you see someone skilled in what they do, they'll work for kings and not for ordinary people.
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He will not serve obscure men.
