Proverbs 22

1A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold. 2Yahweh is the maker of them all. The rich and the poor have this in common: 3but the simple pass on, and suffer for it. A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself; 4is wealth, honor, and life. The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh 5whoever guards his soul stays from them. Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked: 6and when he is old he will not depart from it. Train up a child in the way he should go, 7The borrower is servant to the lender. The rich rule over the poor. 8and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, 9for he shares his food with the poor. He who has a generous eye will be blessed; 10yes, quarrels and insults will stop. Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; 11is the king’s friend. He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully 12but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful. Yahweh’s eyes watch over knowledge; 13I will be killed in the streets!” The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! 14he who is under Yahweh’s wrath will fall into it. The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit: 15the rod of discipline drives it far from him. Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: 16both come to poverty. Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, 17Apply your heart to my teaching. Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. 18if all of them are ready on your lips. For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, 19I teach you today, even you. That your trust may be in Yahweh, 20of counsel and knowledge, Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things 21to give sound answers to the ones who sent you? To teach you truth, reliable words, 22and don’t crush the needy in court; Don’t exploit the poor, because he is poor; 23and plunder the life of those who plunder them. for Yahweh will plead their case, 24and don’t associate with one who harbors anger: Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, 25and ensnare your soul. lest you learn his ways, 26of those who are collateral for debts. Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, 27why should he take away your bed from under you? If you don’t have means to pay, 28which your fathers have set up. Don’t move the ancient boundary stone, 29He will serve kings. He won’t serve obscure men. Do you see a man skilled in his work?