ProverbsChapter 22
Tap any verse to comment or suggest a better wording.
1A good name is worth more than great riches.
Being well liked is better than silver and gold. 2The rich and the poor have this in common:
The LORD made them all. 3Wise people see danger and hide.
But simple people keep going and pay for it. 4Humility and the fear of the LORD
bring the rewards of wealth, honor, and life. 5Thorns and traps lie on the path of twisted people.
Whoever guards his soul stays far away from them. 6Train up a child in the way he should go.
When he is old, he will not turn away from it. 7The rich rule over the poor.
The one who borrows is a slave to the one who lends. 8Whoever plants unfairness will harvest disaster.
The rod of his anger will be broken. 9A generous man will be blessed,
because he shares his bread with the poor. 10Throw out the mocker, and fighting will leave.
Arguing and insults will stop too. 11Whoever loves a pure heart and speaks kind words
will have the king as his friend. 12The LORD's eyes watch over knowledge.
But he spoils the words of the unfaithful. 13The lazy man says, "There's a lion outside!
I'll be killed in the streets!" 14The mouth of a woman who cheats on her husband is a deep pit.
The one the LORD is angry with will fall into it. 15Foolishness is tied up in the heart of a child.
But the rod of correction drives it far away from him. 16Some people crush the poor to get rich.
Others give gifts to the rich.
Both will surely end up poor. 17Turn your ear and listen to the words of the wise.
Set your mind on what I teach. 18For it is good when you keep them inside you
and they are always ready on your lips. 19I am teaching you today, yes, you,
so that you will trust in the LORD. 20Haven't I written thirty sayings for you?
They are sayings of advice and knowledge. 21They show you words that are true and can be trusted.
Then you can give a good answer to those who sent you. 22Do not rob a poor man because he is poor.
Do not crush the needy at the city gate. 23For the LORD will stand up for them in court.
He will rob those who rob them. 24Do not be friends with an angry man.
Do not spend time with a man who has a hot temper. 25If you do, you may learn his ways.
You may get yourself caught in a trap. 26Do not be one who makes promises
to pay for other people's debts. 27If you have nothing to pay with,
why should your bed be taken out from under you? 28Do not move an old boundary stone
that your fathers set in place. 29Do you see a man who is skilled at his work?
He will serve in front of kings.
He will not serve unknown men.