1 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. |
2 Rich and poor have this in common:
The LORD is the Maker of them all. |
3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge,
but the simple keep going and suffer for it. |
4 Humility and the fear of the LORD
bring wealth and honor and life. |
5 In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares,
but he who guards his soul stays far from them. |
6 Train1 22:6 Or Start a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it. |
7 The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is servant to the lender. |
8 He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. |
9 A generous man will himself be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor. |
10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;
quarrels and insults are ended. |
11 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious
will have the king for his friend. |
12 The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful. |
13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!"
or, "I will be murdered in the streets!" |
14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit;
he who is under the LORD's wrath will fall into it. |
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him. |
16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth
and he who gives gifts to the rich-both come to poverty. |
17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach, |
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips. |
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD ,
I teach you today, even you. |
20 Have I not written thirty2 22:20 Or not formerly written ; or not written excellent sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge, |
21 teaching you true and reliable words,
so that you can give sound answers
to him who sent you? |
22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor
and do not crush the needy in court, |
23 for the LORD will take up their case
and will plunder those who plunder them. |
24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man,
do not associate with one easily angered, |
25 or you may learn his ways
and get yourself ensnared. |
26 Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge
or puts up security for debts; |
27 if you lack the means to pay,
your very bed will be snatched from under you. |
28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
set up by your forefathers. |
29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men. |
