The Proverbs (WEB)

22: 1A good name is more desirable than great riches;
      Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

 ^22:2The rich and the poor have this in common:
      Yahweh is the maker of them all.

 ^22:3A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself;
      But the simple pass on, and suffer for it.

 ^22:4The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh
      Is wealth, honor, and life.

 ^22:5Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked:
      Whoever guards his soul stays from them.

 ^22:6Train up a child in the way he should go,
      And when he is old he will not depart from it.

 ^22:7The rich rules over the poor.
      The borrower is servant to the lender.

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

 ^22:9He who has a generous eye will be blessed;
      For he shares his food with the poor.

 ^22:10Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out;
      Yes, quarrels and insults will stop.

 ^22:11He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully
      Is the king's friend.

 ^22:12The eyes of Yahweh watch over knowledge;
      But he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

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

 ^22:14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit:
      He who is under Yahweh's wrath will fall into it.

 ^22:15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child:
      The rod of discipline drives it far from him.

 ^22:16Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich,
      Both come to poverty.

  ^22:17Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise.
      Apply your heart to my teaching.

 ^22:18For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,
      If all of them are ready on your lips.

 ^22:19That your trust may be in Yahweh,
      I teach you today, even you.

 ^22:20Haven't I written to you thirty excellent things
      Of counsel and knowledge,

 ^22:21To teach you truth, reliable words,
      To give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

  ^22:22Don't exploit the poor, because he is poor;
      And don't crush the needy in court;

 ^22:23For Yahweh will plead their case,
      And plunder the life of those who plunder them.

  ^22:24Don't befriend a hot-tempered man,
      And don't associate with one who harbors anger:

 ^22:25Lest you learn his ways,
      And ensnare your soul.

  ^22:26Don't you be one of those who strike hands,
      Of those who are collateral for debts.

 ^22:27If you don't have means to pay,
      Why should he take away your bed from under you?

  ^22:28Don't move the ancient boundary stone,
      Which your fathers have set up.

  ^22:29Do you see a man skilled in his work?
      He will serve kings;
      He won't serve obscure men.

 

World English Bible