Proverbs 22:1-11

Complete Jewish Bible

22 Rather than wealth, choose a good reputation,
    esteem over silver and gold.

² Rich and poor have this in common —
    Adonai made them both.

³ The clever see trouble coming and hide;
    the simple go on and pay the penalty.

⁴ The reward for humility is fear of Adonai,
    along with wealth, honor and life.

⁵ Thorns and snares beset the way of the stubborn;
    he who values his life keeps his distance from them.

⁶ Train a child in the way he [should] go;
    and, even when old, he will not swerve from it.

⁷ The rich rule the poor,
    and the borrower is slave to the lender.

⁸ He who sows injustice reaps trouble,
    and the rod of his angry outburst will fail.

⁹ He who is generous is blessed,
    because he shares his food with the poor.

¹⁰ Throw the scoffer out, and quarreling goes too;
    strife and insults cease.

¹¹ He who loves the pure-hearted and is gracious in speech
    will have the king as his friend.