Proverbs 22 — FBV
22Verse 1A good reputation is a much better choice than plenty of money; respect is better than silver and gold.Verse 2The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord created them all.Verse 3If you're sensible you see danger coming and get out of the way; but stupid people just keep going and pay for it.Verse 4The reward you receive for being humble and respecting the Lord is wealth, honor, and life.Verse 5Thorns and traps lie in the path of crooked people; those who value their lives will stay away from them.Verse 6Teach children the right way to live, and when they grow up they'll go on doing so.Verse 7The rich rule the poor, and borrowers are slaves to their lenders.Verse 8Those who sow injustice will reap disaster, and the angry beatings they inflict on others will be stopped.Verse 9If you're generous, you'll be blessed, for you share your food with those in need.Verse 10Get rid of the scornful, and you'll get rid of conflict too—no more arguments or insults!Verse 11Anyone who loves sincerity+and a gracious way of speaking will have the king as their friend.Verse 12The Lord watches over true knowledge, but counteracts the words of liars.Verse 13Lazy people make claims like, “There's a lion outside! I might be killed if I go out there!”Verse 14The seductive words of an immoral woman are a dangerous trap—if the Lord's angry+with you, then you'll fall right in.Verse 15Children are naturally foolish; physical correction helps them to see sense.Verse 16If you oppress the poor to make yourself rich, or if you're generous to the rich, you'll end up poor yourself.+Verse 17Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and think carefully about my teachings—Verse 18for it's good to keep them in mind so you can be ready to share them.Verse 19I'm explaining this to you today so you can trust in the Lord—yes, you!Verse 20Haven't I written down for you thirty sayings of advice and wisdom?Verse 21They are to make it clear to you what's right and true, so you can give a truthful explanation to those who sent you.Verse 22For you shouldn't steal from the poor just because they're poor; and you shouldn't crush those with limited means in court,Verse 23for the Lord will plead their case, and he will take back whatever was stolen from them.Verse 24Don't make friends with someone who gets upset easily; don't associate with angry people,Verse 25in case you learn to be like them and make a mess of your life.+Verse 26Don't shake hands and guarantee someone's debt,Verse 27for if you can't pay, why should your bed be taken away from beneath you?Verse 28Don't move ancient boundary markers that your forefathers put in place.Verse 29If you see someone skilled in what they do, they'll work for kings and not for ordinary people.