Proverbs 22:5-19

⁵Thistles and snares are in perverse ways; but he that keeps his soul will refrain from them.

⁷The rich will rule over the poor, and servants will lend to their own masters.

⁸He that sows wickedness shall reap troubles; and shall fully receive the punishment of his deeds.

^8aGod loves a cheerful and liberal man; but a man shall fully prove the folly of his works.

⁹He that has pity on the poor shall himself be maintained; for he has given of his own bread to the poor.

^9aHe that gives liberally secures victory and honour; but he takes away the life of them that possess them.

¹⁰Cast out a pestilent person from the council, and strife shall go out with him; for when he sits in the council he dishonours all.

¹¹The Lord loves holy hearts, and all blameless persons are acceptable with him: a king rules with his lips.

¹²But the eyes of the Lord preserve discretion; but the transgressor despises wise words.

¹³The sluggard makes excuses, and says, There is a lion in the ways, and murderers in the streets.

¹⁴The mouth of a transgressor is a deep pit; and he that is hated of the Lord shall fall into it.

^14aEvil ways are before a man, and he does not like to turn away from them; but it is needful to turn aside from a perverse and bad way.

¹⁵Folly is attached to the heart of a child, but the rod and instruction are then far from him.

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 thine 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.