Proverbs 22 :: Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

Rich and poor have this in common:[fn]

the LORD makes them all.

A sensible person sees danger and takes cover,

but the inexperienced keep going and are punished.

Humility, the fear of the LORD,

results in wealth, honor, and life.

There are thorns and snares on the way of the crooked;

the one who guards himself stays far from them.

Start a youth out on his way;

even when he grows old he will not depart from it.

The rich rule over the poor,

and the borrower is a slave to the lender.

The one who sows injustice will reap disaster,

and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

A generous person[fn] will be blessed,

for he shares his food with the poor.

Drive out a mocker, and conflict goes too;

then quarreling and dishonor will cease.

The one who loves a pure heart

and gracious lips ​— ​the king is his friend.

The LORD’s eyes keep watch over knowledge,

but he overthrows the words of the treacherous.

The slacker says, “There’s a lion outside!

I’ll be killed in the public square! ”

The mouth of the forbidden woman is a deep pit;

a man cursed by the LORD will fall into it.

Foolishness is bound to the heart of a youth;

a rod of discipline will separate it from him.

Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself,

and giving to the rich ​— ​both lead only to poverty.

Listen closely,[fn] pay attention to the words of the wise,

and apply your mind to my knowledge.

For it is pleasing if you keep them within you

and if they are[fn] constantly on your lips.

I have instructed you today ​— ​even you —

so that your confidence may be in the LORD.

Haven’t I written for you thirty sayings[fn]

about counsel and knowledge,

in order to teach you true and reliable words,

so that you may give a dependable report[fn]

to those who sent you?

Don’t rob a poor person because he is poor,

and don’t crush the oppressed at the city gate,

for the LORD will champion their cause

and will plunder those who plunder them.

Don’t make friends with an angry person,[fn]

and don’t be a companion of a hot-tempered one,

or you will learn his ways

and entangle yourself in a snare.

Don’t be one of those who enter agreements,[fn]

who put up security for loans.

If you have nothing with which to pay,

even your bed will be taken from under you.

Don’t move an ancient boundary marker

that your ancestors set up.

Do you see a person skilled in his work?

He will stand in the presence of kings.

He will not stand in the presence of the unknown.