Proverbs of Solomon 22 — The Holy Bible

Rich Man, Poor Man

A good name is to be chosen more than much wealth,

And good grace more than silver and gold.

The rich man and the poor man meet with one another,

But the Lord made both.

An astute man, seeing an evil man severely punished, is himself instructed,

But those passing by without discernment suffer loss.

The fear of the Lord and riches and glory and life

Are the offspring of wisdom.

Thorns and snares are in the ways of the crooked,

But he who guards his own soul will keep away from them.

The rich will rule over the poor,

And servants will lend to their own masters.

He who sows worthless things will reap evil things,

And bring to an end the plague of his works.

God blesses a cheerful man and a giver,

And he will bring to an end the vanity of his works.

He who shows mercy to a poor man shall himself be supported,

For he gave his own bread to the poor man.

He who gives gifts to a poor man gains victory and honor for himself;

However, he who buys him takes away his soul.

Cast out a pestilent man from the assembly,

And contention will go out with him;

For whenever he sits in the assembly, he dishonors everyone.

The Lord loves holy hearts,

And all the blameless are acceptable to Him;

A king governs lips.

And the eyes of the Lord maintain perception,

But the lawless man despises His words.

A slothful man makes excuses and says,

“There is a lion in the way, and murderers in the streets.”

The mouth of a lawless man is a deep pit,

And the man hated by the Lord shall fall into it.

Evil ways are before a man,

And he does not love to turn away from them,

But it is necessary to turn away from a crooked and evil way.

Folly fastens itself to the heart of a child,

For the rod and instruction are far from him.

He who oppresses a poor man increases his possessions,

Yet he gives them to a rich man to lessen them.

Incline your ear to the words of the wise and hear my word,

And establish your heart, that you may know they are good.

And if you apply them to your heart,

They will gladden you and at the same time be upon your lips;

That your hope might be in the Lord,

And His way might be known to you.

And register them upon the breadth of your heart for yourself threefold,

For counsel and knowledge.

Therefore, I teach you a true word and good knowledge to be obeyed,

That you might answer words of truth to those who question you.

Do not rob the poor, for he is needy,

And do not dishonor the helpless at the gates;

For the Lord will judge his cause,

And you will deliver your soul from violence.

Do not be a companion to an angry man

And do not associate with a quick-tempered friend,

Lest you learn his ways

And receive a snare for your soul.

Do not give yourself as surety because you respect a person,

For if you do not have the wherewithal to make compensation,

They will take your bed out from under you.

Do not remove the eternal landmarks your fathers established.

An observant man and one astute in his business

Should be present with kings,

And he should not be present with slothful men.