Proverbs 22

1Choose a good reputation over great riches;

being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

2The rich and poor have this in common:

The Lord made them both.

3A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.

The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

4True humility and fear of the Lord

lead to riches, honor, and long life.

5Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road;

whoever values life will avoid it.

6Direct your children onto the right path,

and when they are older, they will not leave it.

7Just as the rich rule the poor,

so the borrower is servant to the lender.

8Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster,

and their reign of terror will come to an end.*

9Blessed are those who are generous,

because they feed the poor.