Proverbiorum 22
1 Melius est nomen bonum quam divitiæ multæ; super argentum et aurum gratia bona.
A good reputation is a much better choice than plenty of money; respect 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: the Lord created them all.
3 Callidus vidit malum, et abscondit se; innocens pertransiit, et afflictus est damno.
If you're sensible you see danger coming and get out of the way; but stupid people just keep going and pay for it.
4 Finis modestiæ timor Domini, divitiæ, et gloria, et vita.
The reward you receive for being humble and respecting the Lord is wealth, honor, and life.
5 Arma et gladii in via perversi; custos autem animæ suæ longe recedit ab eis.
Thorns and traps lie in the path of crooked people; those who value their lives will stay away from them.
6 Proverbium est: adolescens juxta viam suam; etiam cum senuerit, non recedet ab ea.
Teach children the right way to live, and when they grow up they'll go on doing so.
7 Dives pauperibus imperat, et qui accipit mutuum servus est fœnerantis.
The rich rule the poor, and borrowers are slaves to their lenders.
8 Qui seminat iniquitatem metet mala, et virga iræ suæ consummabitur.
Those who sow injustice will reap disaster, and the angry beatings they inflict on others will be stopped.
9 Qui pronus est ad misericordiam benedicetur: de panibus enim suis dedit pauperi. Victoriam et honorem acquiret qui dat munera; animam autem aufert accipientium.
If you're generous, you'll be blessed, for you share your food with those in need.
10 Ejice derisorem, et exibit cum eo jurgium, cessabuntque causæ et contumeliæ.
Get rid of the scornful, and you'll get rid of conflict too—no more arguments or insults!
11 Qui diligit cordis munditiam, propter gratiam labiorum suorum habebit amicum regem.
Anyone who loves sincerity and a gracious way of speaking will have the king as their friend.
12 Oculi Domini custodiunt scientiam, et supplantantur verba iniqui.
The Lord watches over true knowledge, but counteracts the words of liars.
13 Dicit piger: Leo est foris; in medio platearum occidendus sum.
Lazy people make claims like, “There's a lion outside! I might be killed if I go out there!”
14 Fovea profunda os alienæ: cui iratus est Dominus, incidet in eam.
The seductive words of an immoral woman are a dangerous trap—if the Lord's angry with you, then you'll fall right in.
15 Stultitia colligata est in corde pueri, et virga disciplinæ fugabit eam.
Children are naturally foolish; physical correction helps them to see sense.
16 Qui calumniatur pauperem ut augeat divitias suas, dabit ipse ditiori, et egebit.
If you oppress the poor to make yourself rich, or if you're generous to the rich, you'll end up poor yourself.
17 Inclina aurem tuam, et audi verba sapientium: appone autem cor ad doctrinam meam,
Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and think carefully about my teachings—
18 quæ pulchra erit tibi cum servaveris eam in ventre tuo, et redundabit in labiis tuis:
for it's good to keep them in mind so you can be ready to share them.
19 ut sit in Domino fiducia tua, unde et ostendi eam tibi hodie.
I'm explaining this to you today so you can trust in the Lord—yes, you!
20 Ecce descripsi eam tibi tripliciter, in cogitationibus et scientia:
Haven't I written down for you thirty sayings of advice and wisdom?
21 ut ostenderem tibi firmitatem et eloquia veritatis, respondere ex his illis qui miserunt te.
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.
22 Non facias violentiam pauperi quia pauper est, neque conteras egenum in porta:
For you shouldn't steal from the poor just because they're poor; and you shouldn't crush those with limited means in court,
23 quia judicabit Dominus causam ejus, et configet eos qui confixerunt animam ejus.
for the Lord will plead their case, and he will take back whatever was stolen from them.
24 Noli esse amicus homini iracundo, neque ambules cum viro furioso:
Don't make friends with someone who gets upset easily; don't associate with angry people,
25 ne forte discas semitas ejus, et sumas scandalum animæ tuæ.
in case you learn to be like them and make a mess of your life.
26 Noli esse cum his qui defigunt manus suas, et qui vades se offerunt pro debitis:
Don't shake hands and guarantee someone's debt,
27 si enim non habes unde restituas, quid causæ est ut tollat operimentum de cubili tuo?
for if you can't pay, why should your bed be taken away from beneath you?
28 Ne transgrediaris terminos antiquos, quos posuerunt patres tui.
Don't move ancient boundary markers that your forefathers put in place.
29 Vidisti virum velocem in opere suo? coram regibus stabit, nec erit ante ignobiles.
If you see someone skilled in what they do, they'll work for kings and not for ordinary people.
