Proverbs 22:1-17

¹A good reputation is a much better choice than plenty of money; respect is better than silver and gold.

²The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord created them all.

³If you're sensible you see danger coming and get out of the way; but stupid people just keep going and pay for it.

⁴The reward you receive for being humble and respecting the Lord is wealth, honor, and life.

⁵Thorns and traps lie in the path of crooked people; those who value their lives will stay away from them.

⁶Teach children the right way to live, and when they grow up they'll go on doing so.

⁷The rich rule the poor, and borrowers are slaves to their lenders.

⁸Those who sow injustice will reap disaster, and the angry beatings they inflict on others will be stopped.

⁹If you're generous, you'll be blessed, for you share your food with those in need.

¹⁰Get rid of the scornful, and you'll get rid of conflict too—no more arguments or insults!

¹¹Anyone who loves sincerity and a gracious way of speaking will have the king as their friend.

¹²The Lord watches over true knowledge, but counteracts the words of liars.

¹³Lazy people make claims like, “There's a lion outside! I might be killed if I go out there!”

¹⁴The seductive words of an immoral woman are a dangerous trap—if the Lord's angry with you, then you'll fall right in.

¹⁵Children are naturally foolish; physical correction helps them to see sense.

¹⁶If you oppress the poor to make yourself rich, or if you're generous to the rich, you'll end up poor yourself.

¹⁷Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and think carefully about my teachings—