Proverbiorum 22
1 Melius est nomen bonum, quam divitiæ multæ: super argentum et aurum, gratia bona.
A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
2 Dives, et pauper obviaverunt sibi: utriusque operator est Dominus.
The rich and the poor have this in common: Yahweh is the maker of them all.
3 Callidus vidit malum, et abscondit se: innocens pertransiit, et afflictus est damno.
A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
4 Finis modestiæ timor Domini, divitiæ et gloria et vita.
The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life.
5 Arma et gladii in via perversi: custos autem animæ suæ longe recedit ab eis.
Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked; whoever guards his soul stays far from them.
6 Proverbium est: Adolescens iuxta viam suam, etiam cum senuerit, non recedet ab ea.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 Dives pauperibus imperat: et qui accipit mutuum, servus est fœnerantis.
The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.
8 Qui seminat iniquitatem, metet mala, et virga iræ suæ consummabitur.
He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
9 Qui pronus est ad misericordiam, benedicetur: de panibus enim suis dedit pauperi. Victoriam et honorem acquiret qui dat munera: animam autem aufert accipientium.
He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
10 Eiice derisorem, et exibit cum eo iurgium, cessabuntque causæ et contumeliæ.
Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
11 Qui diligit cordis munditiam, propter gratiam labiorum suorum habebit amicum regem.
He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully is the king’s friend.
12 Oculi Domini custodiunt scientiam: et supplantantur verba iniqui.
Yahweh’s eyes watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
13 Dicit piger: Leo est foris, in medio platearum occidendus sum.
The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!”
14 Fovea profunda, os alienæ: cui iratus est Dominus, incidet in eam.
The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit. He who is under Yahweh’s wrath will fall into it.
15 Stultitia colligata est in corde pueri, et virga disciplinæ fugabit eam.
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16 Qui calumniatur pauperem, ut augeat divitias suas, dabit ipse ditiori, et egebit.
Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, both come to poverty.
17 Inclina aurem tuam, et audi verba sapientium: appone autem cor ad doctrinam meam.
Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching.
18 Quæ pulchra erit tibi, cum servaveris eam in ventre tuo, et redundabit in labiis tuis,
For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 ut sit in Domino fiducia tua, unde et ostendi eam tibi hodie.
I teach you today, even you, so that your trust may be in Yahweh.
20 Ecce descripsi eam tibi tripliciter, in cogitationibus et scientia:
Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge,
21 ut ostenderem tibi firmitatem, et eloquia veritatis, respondere ex his illis, qui miserunt te.
To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
22 Non facias violentiam pauperi, quia pauper est: neque conteras egenum in porta:
Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court;
23 quia iudicabit Dominus causam eius, et configet eos, qui confixerunt animam eius.
for Yahweh will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.
24 Noli esse amicus homini iracundo, neque ambules cum viro furioso:
Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man. Don’t associate with one who harbors anger,
25 ne forte discas semitas eius, et sumas scandalum animæ tuæ.
lest you learn his ways and ensnare your soul.
26 Noli esse cum his, qui defigunt manus suas, et qui vades se offerunt pro debitis:
Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts.
27 si enim non habes unde restituas, quid causæ est ut tollat operimentum de cubili tuo?
If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?
28 Ne transgrediaris terminos antiquos, quos posuerunt patres tui.
Don’t move the ancient boundary stone which your fathers have set up.
29 Vidisti virum velocem in opere suo? Coram regibus stabit, nec erit ante ignobiles.
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won’t serve obscure men.
