THE BOOK OF PROVERBS

 

Proverbs 22

1 ¶ A good name is more desirable than great wealth, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.

2 ¶ The rich man and poor man meet: the LORD made them both.

3 ¶ A prudent man foresees trouble, and avoids it: but the simple go on, and suffer for it.

4 ¶ Through humility and the fear of the LORD come riches, honor, and life.

5 ¶ Thorns and snares are in the path of the perverse: he who guards himself will keep far from them.

6 ¶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

7 ¶ The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower serves the lender.

8 ¶ He who sows iniquity will reap disaster: the rod of his anger will do him in.

9 ¶ He who has a kind eye will be blessed; for he gives some of his food to the poor.

10 ¶ Drive out the proud, and quarreling goes too; yea, conflict and rebuke will cease.

11 ¶ The Lord loves a man with a pure heart, because of the grace on his lips the king will be his friend.

12 ¶ The eyes of the LORD watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the transgressor.

13 ¶ The slothful man says, There is a lion outside, I will be slain in the streets.

14 ¶ The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit: he whom the LORD detests will fall into it.

15 ¶ Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction will drive it far from him.

16 ¶ One oppresses the poor to make himself rich, another gives to the rich, and makes himself poor.

17 ¶ Bow down your ear, and hear the words of the wise, set your mind on the knowledge I give you.

18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep it within you; and have it firmly settled on your lips.

19 I am making this known to you today, so that your trust may be in the LORD.

20 Haven’t I written to you excellent things with advice and knowledge,

21 That I might make you know the certainty of the words of truth; that you might give a true answer to those who sent you?

22 ¶ Do not rob the poor, because he is helpless: or oppress the needy at the gate:

23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and take away the life of those who plunder them.

24 ¶ Do not become friends with a man who has a temper; and do not accompany a hothead:

25 Lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul.

26 ¶ Do not be one of those who pledge themselves for others, or one of those who guarantee another’s debts.

27 If you have no money to pay, even your bed will be taken from under you?

28 ¶ Do not remove the ancient landmark, which your fathers have set.

29 ¶ Do you see a man who is skillful in his work? he will serve kings; he will not serve unimportant men.