22Proverbs 22

1If you have to choose between a good reputation and great wealth, choose a good reputation.Select Proverbs 22:1

2The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord made them both.Select Proverbs 22:2

3Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later.Select Proverbs 22:3

4Obey the Lord, be humble, and you will get riches, honor, and a long life.Select Proverbs 22:4

5If you love your life, stay away from the traps that catch the wicked along the way.Select Proverbs 22:5

6Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.Select Proverbs 22:6

7Poor people are slaves of the rich. Borrow money and you are the lender's slave.Select Proverbs 22:7

8If you plant the seeds of injustice, disaster will spring up, and your oppression of others will end.Select Proverbs 22:8

9Be generous and share your food with the poor. You will be blessed for it.Select Proverbs 22:9

10Get rid of a conceited person, and then there will be no more arguments, quarreling, or name-calling.Select Proverbs 22:10

11If you love purity of heart and graciousness of speech, the king will be your friend.Select Proverbs 22:11

12The Lord sees to it that truth is kept safe by disproving the words of liars.Select Proverbs 22:12

13Lazy people stay at home; they say a lion might get them if they go outside.Select Proverbs 22:13

14Adultery is a trap—it catches those with whom the Lord is angry.Select Proverbs 22:14

15Children just naturally do silly, careless things, but a good spanking will teach them how to behave.Select Proverbs 22:15

16If you make gifts to rich people or oppress the poor to get rich, you will become poor yourself.Select Proverbs 22:16

The Thirty Wise Sayings

17Listen, and I will teach you what the wise have said. Study their teachings,Select Proverbs 22:17

18and you will be glad if you remember them and can quote them.Select Proverbs 22:18

19I want you to put your trust in the Lord; that is why I am going to tell them to you now.Select Proverbs 22:19

20I have written down thirty sayings for you. They contain knowledge and good advice,Select Proverbs 22:20

21and will teach you what the truth really is. Then when you are sent to find it out, you will bring back the right answer.Select Proverbs 22:21

22Don't take advantage of the poor just because you can; don't take advantage of those who stand helpless in court.Select Proverbs 22:22

23The Lord will argue their case for them and threaten the life of anyone who threatens theirs.Select Proverbs 22:23

24Don't make friends with people who have hot, violent tempers.Select Proverbs 22:24

25You might learn their habits and not be able to change.Select Proverbs 22:25

26Don't promise to be responsible for someone else's debts.Select Proverbs 22:26

27If you should be unable to pay, they will take away even your bed.Select Proverbs 22:27

28Never move an old property line that your ancestors established.Select Proverbs 22:28

29Show me someone who does a good job, and I will show you someone who is better than most and worthy of the company of kings.Select Proverbs 22:29