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.
A good name is better than many riches. And good esteem is above silver and goldThe rich and poor have met one another. The Lord is the maker of them bothThe clever saw evil and hid himself. The innocent continued on and was afflicted with damageThe end of moderation is the fear of the Lord, riches and glory and lifeWeapons and swords are on the way of the perverse. But he who guards his own soul withdraws far from themThe proverb is: A youth is close to his way; even when he is old, he will not withdraw from itThe rich rule over the poor. And the borrower is servant to the lenderWhoever sows iniquity will reap evils, and by the rod of his own wrath he will be consumedWhoever 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 receiverCast out the one who ridicules, and conflict will go out with him, and accusations and insults will ceaseWhoever loves cleanness of heart, because of the grace of his lips, will have the king as his friendThe eyes of the Lord watch over knowledge. And the words of the iniquitous are supplantedThe lazy one says: "There is a lion outside. I might be slain in the midst of the streets.The mouth of a foreign woman is a deep pit; the Lord was angry with him who will fall into itFoolishness has been bound to the heart of a child, and a rod of discipline shall cause it to fleeWhoever slanders the poor, so as to augment his own riches, will give it away to one who is richer, and will be in needIncline your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Then apply your heart to my doctrineIt shall be beautiful to you, if you preserve it in your inner self, and it shall overflow from your lipsso that your confidence may be in the Lord. Therefore, I also have revealed it to you this dayBehold, I have written it for you in three ways, and with meditations and knowledgeso that I might reveal to you, firmly and with words of truth, in order to respond about these things to those who sent youDo not act with violence toward the pauper because he is poor. And do not weary the needy at the gateFor the Lord will judge his case, and he will pierce those who have pierced his soulDo not be willing to be a friend to an angry man, and do not walk with a furious manlest perhaps you learn his ways, and take up a stumbling block to your soulDo not be willing to be with those who certify with their hands, and who offer themselves as a guarantee against debtsFor if you do not have the means to restore, what reason should there be for him to take the covering from your bedDo not cross beyond the ancient limits that your fathers have setHave 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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