Proverbs 22 / 31
- 1A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
- 2Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.
- 3A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
- 4Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.
- 5In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them.
- 6Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
- 7The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
- 8He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
- 9A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
- 10Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.
- 11He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.
- 12The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
- 13The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!" or, "I will be murdered in the streets!"
- 14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the LORD's wrath will fall into it.
- 15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.
- 16He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich-both come to poverty. ( Sayings of the Wise )
- 17Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,
- 18for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.
- 19So that your trust may be in the LORD , I teach you today, even you.
- 20Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,
- 21teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?
- 22Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,
- 23for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.
- 24Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered,
- 25or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.
- 26Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;
- 27if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.
- 28Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.
- 29Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.