Proverbs 22

English NRSV 1989 - Only for website

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1A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

2The rich and the poor have this in common: the LORD is the maker of them all.

3The clever see danger and hide; but the simple go on, and suffer for it.

4The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.

5Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; the cautious will keep far from them.

6Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.

7The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

8Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of anger will fail.

9Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.

10Drive out a scoffer, and strife goes out; quarreling and abuse will cease.

11Those who love a pure heart and are gracious in speech will have the king as a friend.

12The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the faithless.

13The lazy person says, "There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!"

14The mouth of a loose woman is a deep pit; he with whom the LORD is angry falls into it.

15Folly is bound up in the heart of a boy, but the rod of discipline drives it far away.

16Oppressing the poor in order to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich, will lead only to loss.

17The words of the wise: Incline your ear and hear my words, and apply your mind to my teaching;

18for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

19So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to you today-- yes, to you.

20Have I not written for you thirty sayings of admonition and knowledge,

21to show you what is right and true, so that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

22Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate;

23for the LORD pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them.

24Make no friends with those given to anger, and do not associate with hotheads,

25or you may learn their ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

26Do not be one of those who give pledges, who become surety for debts.

27If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?

28Do not remove the ancient landmark that your ancestors set up.

29Do you see those who are skillful in their work? they will serve kings; they will not serve common people.

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