Proverbs 22
A good name and reputation are more valuable than wealth, and the Lord is the creator of both the rich and the poor. The rich often rule over the poor, and those who are in debt are servants to their lenders. Whoever sows evil will reap evil, but those who show mercy will be blessed. The lazy and the foolish will face consequences, while the diligent and wise will be rewarded. It is also important to avoid violence towards the poor, and not to befriend angry or furious people.
1A good name is better than many riches. And good esteem is above silver and gold2The rich and poor have met one another. The Lord is the maker of them both3The clever saw evil and hid himself. The innocent continued on and was afflicted with damage4The end of moderation is the fear of the Lord, riches and glory and life5Weapons and swords are on the way of the perverse. But he who guards his own soul withdraws far from them6The proverb is: A youth is close to his way; even when he is old, he will not withdraw from it7The rich rule over the poor. And the borrower is servant to the lender8Whoever sows iniquity will reap evils, and by the rod of his own wrath he will be consumed9Whoever is inclined to mercy shall be blessed, for from his bread he has given to the poor. Whoever gives gifts will acquire victory and honor. But he carries away the soul of the receiver10Cast out the one who ridicules, and conflict will go out with him, and accusations and insults will cease11Whoever loves cleanness of heart, because of the grace of his lips, will have the king as his friend12The eyes of the Lord watch over knowledge. And the words of the iniquitous are supplanted13The lazy one says: "There is a lion outside. I might be slain in the midst of the streets.14The mouth of a foreign woman is a deep pit; the Lord was angry with him who will fall into it15Foolishness has been bound to the heart of a child, and a rod of discipline shall cause it to flee16Whoever slanders the poor, so as to augment his own riches, will give it away to one who is richer, and will be in need17Incline your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Then apply your heart to my doctrine18It shall be beautiful to you, if you preserve it in your inner self, and it shall overflow from your lips19so that your confidence may be in the Lord. Therefore, I also have revealed it to you this day20Behold, I have written it for you in three ways, and with meditations and knowledge21so that I might reveal to you, firmly and with words of truth, in order to respond about these things to those who sent you22Do not act with violence toward the pauper because he is poor. And do not weary the needy at the gate23For the Lord will judge his case, and he will pierce those who have pierced his soul24Do not be willing to be a friend to an angry man, and do not walk with a furious man25lest perhaps you learn his ways, and take up a stumbling block to your soul26Do not be willing to be with those who certify with their hands, and who offer themselves as a guarantee against debts27For if you do not have the means to restore, what reason should there be for him to take the covering from your bed28Do not cross beyond the ancient limits that your fathers have set29Have you seen a man swift in his work? He shall stand in the sight of kings, and not before those who are disreputable
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