Proverbs 22:16-27

¹⁶He that oppresses the poor, increases his own substance, Yet gives to the rich so as to make it less.

¹⁷Incline thine ear to the words of wise men: Hear also my word, and apply thy heart,

¹⁸That thou mayest know that they are good: And if thou lay them to heart, They shall also gladden thee on thy lips,

¹⁹That thy hope may be in the Lord, And he may make thy way known to thee.

²⁰And do thou too repeatedly record them for thyself On the table of thy heart, for counsel and knowledge.

²¹I therefore teach thee truth, and knowledge good to hear; That thou mayest answer words of truth to them that question thee.

²²Do no violence to the poor, for he is needy: Neither dishonor the helpless man in the gates.

²³For the Lord will plead his cause, And thou shalt deliver thy soul in safety.

²⁴Be not companion to a furious man; Neither lodge with a passionate man:

²⁵Lest thou learn of his ways, And get snares to thy soul.

²⁶Become not surety from respect of a man’s person.

²⁷For if those have not whence to give compensation, They will take the bed that is under thee.