Proverbs 22:9-14a

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 honor; 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 dishonors 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.