Proverbs 22
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1A good reputation is more desirable than great wealth, and favorable acceptance more than silver and gold.1Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
2The rich and the poor have this in common— the LORD created both of them.2The rich and poor have this in common: The LORD made them both.
3The prudent person sees trouble ahead and hides, but the naive continue on and suffer the consequences.3A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
4The reward of humility is the fear of the LORD, along with wealth, honor, and life.4True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.
5Thorns and snares lie in the path of the perverse person, but whoever is cautious stays far away from them.5Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it.
6Train a child in the way appropriate for him, and when he becomes older, he will not turn from it.6Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
7The wealthy rule over the poor, and anyone who borrows is a slave to the lender.7Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
8Whoever sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the anger he uses for a weapon will be destroyed.8Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end.
9Whoever is generous will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.9Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.
10Throw out the mocker and strife departs, too; furthermore, quarrels and discord will end.10Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.
11Whoever loves purity and gracious speech will gain the king as his friend.11Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.
12The LORD watches over anyone with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the unfaithful.12The LORD preserves those with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.
13The lazy person says, "There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the street!"13The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!”
14The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; a man experiencing the LORD's wrath will fall into it.14The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap; those who make the LORD angry will fall into it.
15A child's heart has a tendency to do wrong, but the rod of discipline removes it far away from him.15A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.
16Whoever oppresses the poor to enrich himself and whoever gives gifts to the wealthy will yield only loss.16A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty. Sayings of the Wise
17Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my teaching,17Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.
18for it is pleasant when you treasure them within you and have them ready on your lips.18For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips.
19As a result, your trust will be in the LORD, that's why I'm teaching you today, even you.19I am teaching you today—yes, you— so you will trust in the LORD.
20Have I not written for you 30 sayings containing counsel and knowledge,20I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge.
21to teach you true and reliable advice, so you can give truthful answers to those who sent you?21In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you.
22Don't rob the poor person because he is poor, and don't crush the helpless in court, 22Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court.
23for the LORD will plead their case and ruin the lives of those who ruin them.23For the LORD is their defender. He will ruin anyone who ruins them.
24Don't make friends with a hot-tempered man, and do not associate with someone who is easily angered,24Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people,
25or you may learn his ways and find yourself caught in a trap.25or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.
26Don't be one of those who make promises to guarantee loans for debts.26Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else.
27If you don't have the ability to pay, why should your very bed be taken from under you?27If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.
28Don't remove an ancient boundary stone that was set up by your ancestors.28Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by previous generations.
29Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will work for kings, not unimportant people.29Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.
The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation
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Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 21
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