22:1   A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold.

22:2   The rich and the poor are all created by the LORD.

22:3   When you see trouble coming, don't be stupid and walk right into it-- be smart and hide.

22:4   Respect and serve the LORD! Your reward will be wealth, a long life, and honor.

22:5   Crooks walk down a road full of thorny traps. Stay away from there!

22:6   Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right.

22:7   The poor are ruled by the rich, and those who borrow are slaves of moneylenders.

22:8   Troublemakers get in trouble, and their terrible anger will get them nowhere.

22:9   The LORD blesses everyone who freely gives food to the poor.

22:10   Arguments and fights will come to an end, if you chase away those who insult others.

22:11   The king is the friend of all who are sincere and speak with kindness.

22:12   The LORD watches over everyone who shows good sense, but he frustrates the plans of deceitful liars.

22:13   Don't be so lazy that you say, "If I go to work, a lion will eat me!"

22:14   The words of a bad woman are like a deep pit; if you make the LORD angry, you will fall right in.

22:15   All children are foolish, but firm correction will make them change.

22:16   Cheat the poor to make profit or give gifts to the rich-- either way you lose.

22:17   Here are some sayings of people with wisdom, so listen carefully as I teach.

22:18   You will be glad that you know these sayings and can recite them.

22:19   I am teaching them today, so that you may trust the LORD.

22:20   I have written thirty sayings filled with sound advice.

22:21   You can trust them completely to give you the right words for those in charge of you.

22:22   Don't take advantage of the poor or cheat them in court.

22:23   The LORD is their defender, and what you do to them, he will do to you.

22:24   Don't make friends with anyone who has a bad temper.

22:25   You might turn out like them and get caught in a trap.

22:26   Don't guarantee to pay someone else's debt.

22:27   If you don't have the money, you might lose your bed.

22:28   Don't move a boundary marker set up by your ancestors.

22:29   If you do your job well, you will work for a ruler and never be a slave.