The In-Dept Study of the Bible
Proverbs 22
1 A good name is more desirable than great
riches, and loving favor is better 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 guardshis soul stays far 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 rule 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 Yahweh’s eyes 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 I teach you today, even you, so that your
trust may be in Yahweh.
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 ispoor;
and don’t crush the needy in court;
23 for Yahweh will plead their case,
and plunder the life ofthose who plunder them.
24 Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man.
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.