| Chapter 22 |
1 |
A good name is more desirable than great riches; Loving favor rather than silver and gold. |
2 |
The rich and the poor have this in common: Yahweh is the maker of them all. |
3 |
A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it. |
4 |
The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh Is wealth, honor, and life. |
5 |
Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked: Whoever guards his soul stays from them. |
6 |
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. |
7 |
The rich rules over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender. |
8 |
He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, And the rod of his fury will be destroyed. |
9 |
He who has a generous eye will be blessed; For he shares his food with the poor. |
10 |
Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; Yes, quarrels and insults will stop. |
11 |
He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully Is the king`s friend. |
12 |
The eyes of Yahweh watch over knowledge; But he frustrates the words of the unfaithful. |
13 |
The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!" |
14 |
The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit: He who is under Yahweh`s wrath will fall into it. |
15 |
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: The rod of discipline drives it far from him. |
16 |
Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, Both come to poverty. |
17 |
Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching. |
18 |
For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, If all of them are ready on your lips. |
19 |
That your trust may be in Yahweh, I teach you today, even you. |
20 |
Haven`t I written to you thirty excellent things Of counsel and knowledge, |
21 |
To teach you truth, reliable words, To give sound answers to the ones who sent you? |
22 |
Don`t exploit the poor, because he is poor; And don`t crush the needy in court; |
23 |
For Yahweh will plead their case, And plunder the life of those who plunder them. |
24 |
Don`t befriend a hot-tempered man, And don`t associate with one who harbors anger: |
25 |
Lest you learn his ways, And ensnare your soul. |
26 |
Don`t you be one of those who strike hands, Of those who are collateral for debts. |
27 |
If you don`t have means to pay, Why should he take away your bed from under you? |
28 |
Don`t move the ancient boundary stone, Which your fathers have set up. |
29 |
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings; He won`t serve obscure men. |