22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

22:2 Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.

22:3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

22:4 Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.

22:5 In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them.

22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

22:8 He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

22:9 A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

22:10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.

22:11 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.

22:12 The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

22:13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!" or, "I will be murdered in the streets!"

22:14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the LORD'S wrath will fall into it.

22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

22:16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich--both come to poverty.

22:17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,

22:18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.

22:19 So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you.

22:20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,

22:21 teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?

22:22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,

22:23 for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.

22:24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered,

22:25 or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.

22:26 Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;

22:27 if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.

22:28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.

22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.