9He that has pity on the poor shall himself be maintained; for he has given of his own bread to the poor. He that gives liberally secures victory an honor; but he takes away the life of them that posses 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. Evil 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 your ear to the words of wise men: hear also my word, and apply your heart,
18that you may know that they are good: and if you lay them to heart, they shall also gladden you on your lips.
Proverbs 22
Proverbs 22:9-18