Proverbs 22:1–11

You should want a good name more than you want great riches.

To be highly respected is better than having silver or gold.

²The Lord made rich people and poor people.

That’s what they have in common.

³Wise people see danger and go to a safe place.

But childish people keep going and suffer for it.

⁴Have respect for the Lord and don’t be proud.

That will bring you wealth and honor and life.

⁵Thorns and traps lie in the paths of evil people.

But those who guard themselves stay far away from them.

⁶Train a child in the way he should go.

When he is old, he will not turn away from it.

⁷Rich people rule over those who are poor.

Borrowers are slaves to lenders.

⁸Anyone who plants evil gathers a harvest of trouble.

His power to beat others down will be destroyed.

⁹Anyone who gives freely will be blessed.

That’s because he shares his food with those who are poor.

¹⁰If you drive away those who make fun of others, fighting also goes away.

Arguing and unkind words will stop.

¹¹Have a pure and loving heart, and speak kindly.

Then you will be a friend of the king.