Proverbs - Chapter 22 | Good News Translation

  • 1. If you have to choose between a good reputation and great wealth, choose a good reputation.
  • 2. The rich and the poor have this in common: the LORD made them both.
  • 3. Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later.
  • 4. Obey the LORD, be humble, and you will get riches, honor, and a long life.
  • 5. If you love your life, stay away from the traps that catch the wicked along the way.
  • 6. Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.
  • 7. Poor people are slaves of the rich. Borrow money and you are the lender's slave.
  • 8. If you plant the seeds of injustice, disaster will spring up, and your oppression of others will end.
  • 9. Be generous and share your food with the poor. You will be blessed for it.
  • 10. Get rid of a conceited person, and then there will be no more arguments, quarreling, or name-calling.
  • 11. If you love purity of heart and graciousness of speech, the king will be your friend.
  • 12. The LORD sees to it that truth is kept safe by disproving the words of liars.
  • 13. Lazy people stay at home; they say a lion might get them if they go outside.
  • 14. Adultery is a trap---it catches those with whom the LORD is angry.
  • 15. Children just naturally do silly, careless things, but a good spanking will teach them how to behave.
  • 16. If you make gifts to rich people or oppress the poor to get rich, you will become poor yourself.
  • 17. Listen, and I will teach you what the wise have said. Study their teachings,
  • 18. and you will be glad if you remember them and can quote them.
  • 19. I want you to put your trust in the LORD; that is why I am going to tell them to you now.
  • 20. I have written down thirty sayings for you. They contain knowledge and good advice,
  • 21. and will teach you what the truth really is. Then when you are sent to find it out, you will bring back the right answer.
  • 22. Don't take advantage of the poor just because you can; don't take advantage of those who stand helpless in court.
  • 23. The LORD will argue their case for them and threaten the life of anyone who threatens theirs.
  • 24. Don't make friends with people who have hot, violent tempers.
  • 25. You might learn their habits and not be able to change.
  • 26. Don't promise to be responsible for someone else's debts.
  • 27. If you should be unable to pay, they will take away even your bed.
  • 28. Never move an old property line that your ancestors established.
  • 29. Show me someone who does a good job, and I will show you someone who is better than most and worthy of the company of kings.
أعلى