Chapter 22

  A good name is more desirable than great riches; Loving favor rather than silver and gold.  

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

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  A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it.  

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  The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh Is wealth, honor, and life.  

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

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

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  The rich rules over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.  

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  He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, And the rod of his fury will be destroyed.  

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  He who has a generous eye will be blessed; For he shares his food with the poor.  

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  Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; Yes, quarrels and insults will stop.  

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  He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully Is the king's friend.  

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  The eyes of Yahweh watch over knowledge; But he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.  

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  The sluggard says, 'There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!'  

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  The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit: He who is under Yahweh's wrath will fall into it.  

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

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  Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, Both come to poverty.  

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

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

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

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  Haven't I written to you thirty excellent things Of counsel and knowledge,  

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

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  Don't exploit the poor, because he is poor; And don't crush the needy in court;  

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  For Yahweh will plead their case, And plunder the life of those who plunder them.  

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  Don't befriend a hot-tempered man, And don't associate with one who harbors anger:  

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  Lest you learn his ways, And ensnare your soul.  

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  Don't you be one of those who strike hands, Of those who are collateral for debts.  

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  If you don't have means to pay, Why should he take away your bed from under you?  

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  Don't move the ancient boundary stone, Which your fathers have set up.  

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  Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings; He won't serve obscure men.  

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