Proverbs 22:1-21 ▼

1 A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold.

2 Rich and poor have this in common: the LORD makes them all.

3 A sensible person sees danger and takes cover, but the inexperienced keep going and are punished.

4 Humility, the fear of the LORD, results in wealth, honor, and life.

5 There are thorns and snares on the way of the crooked; the one who guards himself stays far from them.

6 Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.

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

8 The one who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

9 A generous person will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

10 Drive out a mocker, and conflict goes too; then quarreling and dishonor will cease.

11 The one who loves a pure heart and gracious lips—the king is his friend.

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

13 The slacker says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square! ”

14 The mouth of the forbidden woman is a deep pit; a man cursed by the LORD will fall into it.

15 Foolishness is bound to the heart of a youth; a rod of discipline will separate it from him.

16 Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich—both lead only to poverty.

17 Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge.

18 For it is pleasing if you keep them within you and if they are constantly on your lips.

19 I have instructed you today—even you — so that your confidence may be in the LORD.

20 Haven’t I written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge,

21 in order to teach you true and reliable words, so that you may give a dependable report to those who sent you?