22:1   If you have to choose between a good reputation and great wealth, choose a good reputation.

22:2   The rich and the poor have this in common: the LORD made them both.

22:3   Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later.

22:4   Obey the LORD, be humble, and you will get riches, honor, and a long life.

22:5   If you love your life, stay away from the traps that catch the wicked along the way.

22:6   Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.

22:7   Poor people are slaves of the rich. Borrow money and you are the lender's slave.

22:8   If you plant the seeds of injustice, disaster will spring up, and your oppression of others will end.

22:9   Be generous and share your food with the poor. You will be blessed for it.

22:10   Get rid of a conceited person, and then there will be no more arguments, quarreling, or name-calling.

22:11   If you love purity of heart and graciousness of speech, the king will be your friend.

22:12   The LORD sees to it that truth is kept safe by disproving the words of liars.

22:13   Lazy people stay at home; they say a lion might get them if they go outside.

22:14   Adultery is a trap---it catches those with whom the LORD is angry.

22:15   Children just naturally do silly, careless things, but a good spanking will teach them how to behave.

22:16   If you make gifts to rich people or oppress the poor to get rich, you will become poor yourself.

22:17   Listen, and I will teach you what the wise have said. Study their teachings,

22:18   and you will be glad if you remember them and can quote them.

22:19   I want you to put your trust in the LORD; that is why I am going to tell them to you now.

22:20   I have written down thirty sayings for you. They contain knowledge and good advice,

22:21   and will teach you what the truth really is. Then when you are sent to find it out, you will bring back the right answer.

22:22   Don't take advantage of the poor just because you can; don't take advantage of those who stand helpless in court.

22:23   The LORD will argue their case for them and threaten the life of anyone who threatens theirs.

22:24   Don't make friends with people who have hot, violent tempers.

22:25   You might learn their habits and not be able to change.

22:26   Don't promise to be responsible for someone else's debts.

22:27   If you should be unable to pay, they will take away even your bed.

22:28   Never move an old property line that your ancestors established.

22:29   Show me someone who does a good job, and I will show you someone who is better than most and worthy of the company of kings.