Proverbs 22
New International Version - Proverbs 22 << | >> 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. 22:2 Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. 22:3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. 22:4 Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. 22:5 In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them. 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. 22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. 22:8 He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. 22:9 A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. 22:10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended. 22:11 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend. 22:12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful. 22:13 The sluggard says, 'There is a lion outside!' or, 'I will be murdered in the streets!' 22:14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the Lord 's wrath will fall into it. 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him. 22:16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich-both come to poverty. 22:17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, 22:18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. 22:19 So that your trust may be in the Lord , I teach you today, even you. 22:20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, 22:21 teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you? 22:22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, 22:23 for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them. 22:24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, 22:25 or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared. 22:26 Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; 22:27 if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you. 22:28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers. 22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.