Proverbs 22 – read and compare multiple versions
Proverbs 22
[1] A good name is more desirable than great riches,
and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
[2] The rich and the poor have this in common:
Yahweh is the maker of them all.
[3] A prudent man sees danger and hides himself;
but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
[4] The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh
is wealth, honor, and life.
[5] Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked;
whoever guards his soul stays from them.
[6] Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.
[7] The rich rule over the poor.
The borrower is servant to the lender.
[8] He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
[9] He who has a generous eye will be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor.
[10] Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out;
yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
[11] He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully
is the king’s friend.
[12] Yahweh’s eyes watch over knowledge,
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
[13] The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
I will be killed in the streets!”
[14] The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit.
He who is under Yahweh’s wrath will fall into it.
[15] Folly is bound up in the heart of a child;
the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
[16] Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich,
both come to poverty. [17] Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise.
Apply your heart to my teaching.
[18] For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
[19] I teach you today, even you,
so that your trust may be in Yahweh.
[20] Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things
of counsel and knowledge,
[21] To teach you truth, reliable words,
to give sound answers to the ones who sent you? [22] Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor;
and don’t crush the needy in court;
[23] for Yahweh will plead their case,
and plunder the life of those who plunder them. [24] Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man.
Don’t associate with one who harbors anger,
[25] lest you learn his ways
and ensnare your soul. [26] Don’t you be one of those who strike hands,
of those who are collateral for debts.
[27] If you don’t have means to pay,
why should he take away your bed from under you? [28] Don’t move the ancient boundary stone
which your fathers have set up. [29] Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve kings.
He won’t serve obscure men.
and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
[2] The rich and the poor have this in common:
Yahweh is the maker of them all.
[3] A prudent man sees danger and hides himself;
but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
[4] The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh
is wealth, honor, and life.
[5] Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked;
whoever guards his soul stays from them.
[6] Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.
[7] The rich rule over the poor.
The borrower is servant to the lender.
[8] He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
[9] He who has a generous eye will be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor.
[10] Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out;
yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
[11] He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully
is the king’s friend.
[12] Yahweh’s eyes watch over knowledge,
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
[13] The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
I will be killed in the streets!”
[14] The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit.
He who is under Yahweh’s wrath will fall into it.
[15] Folly is bound up in the heart of a child;
the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
[16] Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich,
both come to poverty. [17] Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise.
Apply your heart to my teaching.
[18] For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
[19] I teach you today, even you,
so that your trust may be in Yahweh.
[20] Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things
of counsel and knowledge,
[21] To teach you truth, reliable words,
to give sound answers to the ones who sent you? [22] Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor;
and don’t crush the needy in court;
[23] for Yahweh will plead their case,
and plunder the life of those who plunder them. [24] Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man.
Don’t associate with one who harbors anger,
[25] lest you learn his ways
and ensnare your soul. [26] Don’t you be one of those who strike hands,
of those who are collateral for debts.
[27] If you don’t have means to pay,
why should he take away your bed from under you? [28] Don’t move the ancient boundary stone
which your fathers have set up. [29] Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve kings.
He won’t serve obscure men.