Proverbs 22:1–12

A good name is more desirable than great riches;

to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.n

2 Rich and poor have this in common:

The Lord is the Maker of them all.o

3 The prudent see danger and take refuge,p

but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.q

4 Humility is the fear of the Lord;

its wages are riches and honorr and life.s

5 In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,t

but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

6 Startu children off on the way they should go,v

and even when they are old they will not turn from it.w

7 The rich rule over the poor,

and the borrower is slave to the lender.

8 Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity,x

and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.y

9 The generous will themselves be blessed,z

for they share their food with the poor.a

10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;

quarrels and insults are ended.b

11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace

will have the king for a friend.c

12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,

but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.