Proverbs 22

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

22 <1> It is better to be respected than to be rich. A good name is worth more than silver or gold.

<2> The rich and the poor are the same. The Lord made them all.

<3> Wise people see trouble coming and get out of its way, but fools go straight to it and suffer for it.

<4> Respect the Lord and be humble. Then you will have wealth, honor, and true life.

<5> Evil people are trapped by many troubles, but those who want to live avoid them.

<6> Teach children in a way that fits their needs, and even when they are old, they will not leave the right path.

<7> The rich rule over the poor. The one who borrows is a slave to the one who lends.

<8> Those who spread trouble will harvest trouble. In the end, they will be destroyed for the trouble they caused.

<9> Generous people will be blessed, because they share their food with the poor.

<10> Get rid of the proud who laugh at what is right, and trouble will leave with them. All arguments and insults will end.

<11> Love a pure heart and kind words, and the king will be your friend.

<12> The Lord watches over true knowledge, and he opposes those who try to deceive others.

<13> A person who is lazy and wants to stay home says, "There is a lion outside, and I might be killed in the streets!"

<14> The sin of adultery[53] is a trap, and the Lord gets very angry with those who fall into it.

<15> Children do foolish things, but if you punish them, they will learn not to do them.

<16> These two things will make you poor: hurting the poor to make yourself rich and giving gifts to the rich.

Thirty Wise Sayings

<17> Listen carefully to these words from the wise. Pay attention to what I have learned. <18> It will be good for you to remember these words and have them ready when they are needed. <19> I will teach you these things now. I want you to trust the Lord. <20> I have written 30 sayings for you.[54] These are words of advice and wisdom. <21> They will teach you things that you can know for sure to be true. Then you can give good answers to the one who sent you.

- 1 -

<22> It is easy to steal from the poor, but don't do it. And don't take advantage of them in court. <23> The Lord is on their side. He supports the poor, and he will take from those who take from them.

- 2 -

<24> Don't be friends with people who become angry easily. Don't stay around short-tempered people. <25> If you do, you may learn to be like them. Then you will have the same problems they do.

- 3 -

<26> Don't promise to pay someone else's debt. <27> If you cannot pay, you will lose everything you have. So why should you lose the bed you sleep on?

- 4 -

<28> Never move an old property line that was marked long ago by your ancestors.[55]

- 5 -

<29> Skilled workers will always serve kings. They will never have to work for less important people.

- 6 -