Proverbiorum 22
1 melius est nomen bonum quam divitiae multae super argentum et aurum gratia bona
A good name is to be chosen over great riches and favor is better than silver and gold.
2 dives et pauper obviaverunt sibi utriusque operator est Dominus
Rich and poor people have this in common— Yahweh is the maker of all of them.
3 callidus vidit malum et abscondit se innocens pertransiit et adflictus est damno
A prudent man sees trouble and hides himself, but the naive go on and suffer because of it.
4 finis modestiae timor Domini divitiae et gloria et vita
The reward for humility and fear of Yahweh is riches, honor, and life.
5 arma et gladii in via perversi custos animae suae longe recedit ab eis
Thorns and snares lie in the path of the perverse; whoever guards his life will keep far from them.
6 proverbium est adulescens iuxta viam suam etiam cum senuerit non recedet ab ea
Teach a child the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn away from that instruction.
7 dives pauperibus imperat et qui accipit mutuum servus est fenerantis
Rich people rule over poor people and one who borrows is a slave to the one who lends.
8 qui seminat iniquitatem metet mala et virga irae suae consummabitur
He who sows injustice will reap trouble and the rod of his fury will fade away.
9 qui pronus est ad misericordiam benedicetur de panibus enim suis dedit pauperi
The one who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
10 eice derisorem et exibit cum eo iurgium cessabuntque causae et contumeliae
Drive away the mocker, and out goes strife; disputes and insults will cease.
11 qui diligit cordis munditiam propter gratiam labiorum suorum habebit amicum regem
The one who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious, he will have the king for his friend.
12 oculi Domini custodiunt scientiam et subplantantur verba iniqui
The eyes of Yahweh keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the treacherous.
13 dicit piger leo foris in medio platearum occidendus sum
The lazy person says, “There is a lion in the street! I will be killed in the open places.”
14 fovea profunda os alienae cui iratus est Dominus incidet in eam
The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; Yahweh's anger is stirred up against anyone who falls into it.
15 stultitia conligata est in corde pueri et virga disciplinae fugabit eam
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far away.
16 qui calumniatur pauperem ut augeat divitias suas dabit ipse ditiori et egebit
The one who oppresses poor people to increase his wealth, or gives to rich people, will come to poverty.
17 inclina aurem tuam et audi verba sapientium adpone autem cor ad doctrinam meam
Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18 quae pulchra erit tibi cum servaveris eam in ventre tuo et redundabit in labiis tuis
for it will be pleasant for you 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
So your trust may be in Yahweh, I teach them to you today—even to you.
20 ecce descripsi eam tibi tripliciter in cogitationibus et scientia
Have I not written for you thirty sayings of instruction and knowledge,
21 ut ostenderem tibi firmitatem et eloquia veritatis respondere ex his illi qui misit te
to teach you truth in these trustworthy words, so you may give trustworthy answers to those who sent you?
22 non facias violentiam pauperi quia pauper est neque conteras egenum in porta
Do not rob the poor because he is poor, or crush the needy at the gate,
23 quia Dominus iudicabit causam eius et configet eos qui confixerint animam eius
for Yahweh will plead their case, and he will rob of life those who robbed them.
24 noli esse amicus homini iracundo neque ambules cum viro furioso
Do not make a friend of someone who is ruled by anger and you must not go with one who rages,
25 ne forte discas semitas eius et sumas scandalum animae tuae
or you will learn his ways and you will take bait for your soul.
26 noli esse cum his qui defigunt manus suas et qui vades se offerunt pro debitis
Do not be one who strikes hands in making a pledge, or who puts up security for debts.
27 si enim non habes unde restituas quid causae est ut tollat operimentum de cubili tuo
If you lack the means to pay, what could stop someone from taking away your bed from under you?
28 ne transgrediaris terminos antiquos quos posuerunt patres tui
Do not remove the ancient boundary stone that your fathers have set.
29 vidisti virum velocem in opere suo coram regibus stabit nec erit ante ignobiles
Do you see a man skilled at his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before common people.
