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22:1  Being respected is more important than having great riches. To be well thought of is better than owning silver or gold.
22:2  The rich and the poor are alike in that the Lord made them all.
22:3  When a wise person sees danger ahead, he avoids it. But a foolish person keeps going and gets into trouble.
22:4  Respecting the Lord and not being proud will bring you wealth, honor and life.
22:5  The lives of evil people are like paths covered with thorns and traps. People who protect themselves don’t have such problems.
22:6  Train a child how to live the right way. Then even when he is old, he will still live that way.
22:7  The rich rule over the poor. And borrowers become servants to those who lend.
22:8  A person who does evil things will receive trouble in return. Then he won’t be cruel to others any longer.
22:9  A generous person will be blessed because he shares his food with the poor.
22:10  Get rid of the person who makes fun of wisdom. Then fighting, quarrels and insults will stop.
22:11  A person who loves innocent thoughts and kind words will have even the king as a friend.
22:12  The Lord protects knowledge from being lost. But he destroys false words.
22:13  The lazy person says, “There’s a lion outside! I might get killed out in the street!”
22:14  The words of an unfaithful wife are like a deep trap. Those who make the Lord angry will get caught by them.
22:15  Every child is full of foolishness. But punishment can get rid of it.
22:16  The one who gets rich by being cruel to the poor will become poor. And so will the one who gives presents to the wealthy.
22:17  Pay attention and listen to what wise people say. Remember what I am teaching you.
22:18  It will be good to keep these things in mind. Be prepared to repeat them.
22:19  I am teaching them to you now so that you will put your trust in the Lord.
22:20  I have written down 30 sayings for you. They give knowledge and good advice.
22:21  I am teaching you true and reliable words. Then you can give true answers to anyone who asks.
22:22  Do not abuse poor people because they are poor. And do not take away the rights of the needy in court.
22:23  The Lord will defend them in court. And he will take the life of those who take away their rights.
22:24  Don’t make friends with someone who easily gets angry. Don’t spend time with someone who has a bad temper.
22:25  If you do, you may learn to be like him. Then you will be in real danger.
22:26  Don’t promise to pay what someone else owes. And don’t give guarantees that you will pay what he owes.
22:27  If you cannot pay what he owes, your own bed will be taken and sold.
22:28  Don’t move an old stone that shows where a person’s land is. These stones were set up by your ancestors.
22:29  Do you see a man skilled in his work? That man will work for kings. He won’t have to work for ordinary people.