Proverbs 22:1-18 ▼

1 A [good] name [is] rather to be chosen than great riches, [and] loving favour rather than silver and gold.

2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD [is] the maker of them all.

3 A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, and hideth {08675;05641:08799} himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

4 By humility [and] the fear of the LORD [are] riches, and honour, and life.

5 Thorns [and] snares [are] in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be 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 ruleth over the poor, and the borrower [is] servant to the lender.

8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

11 He that loveth pureness of heart, [for] the grace of his lips the king [shall be] his friend.

12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

13 The slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

14 The mouth of strange women [is] a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

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

16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his [riches, and] he that giveth to the rich, [shall] surely [come] to want.

17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

18 For [it is] a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.