Sundry observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices.

22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches,
and loving favor is better than silver and gold.

22:2 The rich and the poor have this in common:
Yahweh is the maker of them all.

22:3 A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself;
but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.

22:4 The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh
is wealth, honor, and life.

22:5 Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked:
whoever guards his soul stays from them.

22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.

22:7 The rich rule over the poor.
The borrower is servant to the lender.

22:8 He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

22:9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed;
for he shares his food with the poor.

22:10 Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out;
yes, quarrels and insults will stop.

22:11 He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully
is the king’s friend.

22:12 The eyes of Yahweh watch over knowledge;
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

22:13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
I will be killed in the streets!”

22:14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit:
he who is under Yahweh’s wrath will fall into it.

22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child:
the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

22:16 Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich,
both come to poverty.

Esther 9:22

22:17 Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise.
Apply your heart to my teaching.

22:18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.

22:19 That your trust may be in Yahweh,
I teach you today, even you.

22:20 Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things
of counsel and knowledge,

22:21 To teach you truth, reliable words,
to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

22:22 Don’t exploit the poor, because he is poor;
and don’t crush the needy in court;

22:23 for Yahweh will plead their case,
and plunder the life of those who plunder them.

22:24 Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man,
and don’t associate with one who harbors anger:

22:25 lest you learn his ways,
and ensnare your soul.

22:26 Don’t you be one of those who strike hands,
of those who are collateral for debts.

22:27 If you don’t have means to pay,
why should he take away your bed from under you?

22:28 Don’t move the ancient boundary stone,
which your fathers have set up.

22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve kings.
He won’t serve obscure men.