1 A good reputation is more desirable than great wealth, and favorable acceptance more than silver and gold. ISV — Proverbs 22:1
2 The rich and the poor have this in common— the LORD created both of them. ISV — Proverbs 22:2
3 The prudent person sees trouble ahead and hides, but the naive continue on and suffer the consequences. ISV — Proverbs 22:3
4 The reward of humility is the fear of the LORD, along with wealth, honor, and life. ISV — Proverbs 22:4
5 Thorns and snares lie in the path of the perverse person, but whoever is cautious stays far away from them. ISV — Proverbs 22:5
6 Train a child in the way appropriate for him, and when he becomes older, he will not turn from it. ISV — Proverbs 22:6
7 The wealthy rule over the poor, and anyone who borrows is a slave to the lender. ISV — Proverbs 22:7
8 Whoever sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the anger he uses for a weapon a22:8 Lit. rod will be destroyed. ISV — Proverbs 22:8
9 Whoever is generous b22:9 Lit. A good eye will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. ISV — Proverbs 22:9
10 Throw out the mocker and strife departs, too; c22:10 The Heb. lacks too furthermore, quarrels d22:10 Or litigation and discord will end. ISV — Proverbs 22:10
11 Whoever loves purity e22:11 Lit. purity of heart and gracious speech will gain the king as his friend. ISV — Proverbs 22:11
12 The LORD watches over anyone with knowledge, but he ruins the plans f22:12 Lit. words of the unfaithful. ISV — Proverbs 22:12
13 The lazy person says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the street!” ISV — Proverbs 22:13
14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; a man experiencing the LORD’s wrath will fall into it. ISV — Proverbs 22:14
15 A child’s heart has a tendency to do wrong, but the rod of discipline removes it far away from him. ISV — Proverbs 22:15
16 Whoever oppresses the poor to enrich himself and whoever gives gifts to the wealthy will yield only loss. ISV — Proverbs 22:16
17 Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my teaching, ISV — Proverbs 22:17
18 for it is pleasant when you treasure them within you and have them ready on your lips. ISV — Proverbs 22:18
19 As a result, your trust will be in the LORD, that’s why I’m teaching you today, even you. ISV — Proverbs 22:19
20 Have I not written for you 30 sayings containing counsel and knowledge, ISV — Proverbs 22:20
21 to teach you true and reliable advice, so you can give truthful answers to those who sent you? ISV — Proverbs 22:21
22 Don’t rob the poor person because he is poor, and don’t crush the helpless in court, g22:22 Lit. gate ISV — Proverbs 22:22
23 for the LORD will plead their case and ruin the lives of those who ruin them. ISV — Proverbs 22:23
24 Don’t make friends with a hot-tempered man, and do not associate with someone who is easily angered, ISV — Proverbs 22:24
25 or you may learn his ways and find yourself caught in a trap. ISV — Proverbs 22:25
26 Don’t be one of those who make promises to guarantee loans for debts. ISV — Proverbs 22:26
27 If you don’t have the ability to pay, why should your very bed be taken from under you? ISV — Proverbs 22:27
28 Don’t remove an ancient boundary stone that was set up by your ancestors. ISV — Proverbs 22:28
29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will work for kings, not unimportant people. ISV — Proverbs 22:29