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Proverbs 22
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1A good name is more desirable than great riches,
- and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
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2The rich and the poor have this in common:
- Yahweh is the maker of them all.
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3A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself;
- but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
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4The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh
- is wealth, honor, and life.
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5Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked:
- whoever guards his soul stays from them.
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6Train up a child in the way he should go,
- and when he is old he will not depart from it.
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7The rich rule over the poor.
- The borrower is servant to the lender.
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8He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
- and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
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9He who has a generous eye will be blessed;
- for he shares his food with the poor.
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10Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out;
- yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
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11He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully
- is the king’s friend.
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12The eyes of Yahweh watch over knowledge;
- but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
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13The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
- I will be killed in the streets!”
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14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit:
- he who is under Yahweh’s wrath will fall into it.
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15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child:
- the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
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16Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich,
- both come to poverty.
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17Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise.
- Apply your heart to my teaching.
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18For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,
- if all of them are ready on your lips.
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19That your trust may be in Yahweh,
- I teach you today, even you.
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20Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things
- of counsel and knowledge,
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21To teach you truth, reliable words,
- to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
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22Don’t exploit the poor, because he is poor;
- and don’t crush the needy in court;
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23for Yahweh will plead their case,
- and plunder the life of those who plunder them.
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24Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man,
- and don’t associate with one who harbors anger:
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25lest you learn his ways,
- and ensnare your soul.
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26Don’t you be one of those who strike hands,
- of those who are collateral for debts.
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27If you don’t have means to pay,
- why should he take away your bed from under you?
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28Don’t move the ancient boundary stone,
- which your fathers have set up.
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29Do you see a man skilled in his work?
- He will serve kings.
- He won’t serve obscure men.
