Proverbs 22:17-29 ▼

17 Incline your ear, and hear words of the wise, || And set your heart to my knowledge,

18 For they are pleasant when you keep them in your heart, || They are prepared together for your lips.

19 That your trust may be in YHWH, || I caused you to know today, even you.

20 Have I not written to you three times || With counsels and knowledge?

21 To cause you to know the certainty of sayings of truth, || To return sayings of truth to those sending you.

22 Do not rob the poor because he [is] poor, || And do not bruise the afflicted in the gate.

23 For YHWH pleads their cause, || And has spoiled the soul of their spoilers.

24 Do not show yourself friendly with an angry man, || And do not go in with a man of fury,

25 Lest you learn his paths, || And have received a snare to your soul.

26 Do not be among those striking hands, || Among sureties [for] burdens.

27 If you have nothing to pay, || Why does he take your bed from under you?

28 Do not remove a border of ancient times, || That your fathers have made.

29 Have you seen a man speedy in his business? He stations himself before kings, || He does not station himself before obscure men!