Proverbs 22:9-18

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—

¹⁸for it's good to keep them in mind so you can be ready to share them.