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Proverbs 22 :: New International Version (NIV)

Pro 22:1A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Pro 22:2Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.
Pro 22:3The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
Pro 22:4Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.
Pro 22:5In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.
Pro 22:6Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Pro 22:7The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
Pro 22:8Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.
Pro 22:9The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
Pro 22:10Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.
Pro 22:11One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.
Pro 22:12The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
Pro 22:13The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!”
Pro 22:14The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; a man who is under the LORD’s wrath falls into it.
Pro 22:15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.
Pro 22:16One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

Saying 1

Pro 22:17Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,
Pro 22:18for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.
Pro 22:19So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you.
Pro 22:20Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,
Pro 22:21teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve?

Saying 2

Pro 22:22Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,
Pro 22:23for the LORD will take up their case and will exact life for life.

Saying 3

Pro 22:24Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered,
Pro 22:25or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.

Saying 4

Pro 22:26Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;
Pro 22:27if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.

Saying 5

Pro 22:28Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors.

Saying 6

Pro 22:29Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.
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