Proverbs 22 - Contemporary English Version (CEV)

The Value of a Good Reputation

22 A good reputation and respect
are worth much more
than silver and gold.
2 The rich and the poor
are all created
by the Lord.
3 When you see trouble coming,
don't be stupid
and walk right into it—
be smart and hide.

4 Respect and serve the Lord!
Your reward will be wealth,
a long life, and honor.
5 Crooks walk down a road
full of thorny traps.
Stay away from there!
6 (A) Teach your children
right from wrong,
and when they are grown
they will still do right.
7 The poor are ruled by the rich,
and those who borrow
are slaves of moneylenders.
8 Troublemakers get in trouble,
and their terrible anger
will get them nowhere.

9 The Lord blesses everyone
who freely gives food
to the poor.
10 Arguments and fights
will come to an end,
if you chase away those
who insult others.
11 The king is the friend of all
who are sincere
and speak with kindness.

12 The Lord watches over everyone
who shows good sense,
but he frustrates the plans
of deceitful liars.
13 Don't be so lazy that you say,
“If I go to work,
a lion will eat me!”
14 The words of a bad woman
are like a deep pit;
if you make the Lord angry,
you will fall right in.
15 All children are foolish,
but firm correction
will make them change.
16 Cheat the poor to make profit
or give gifts to the rich—
either way you lose.

Thirty Wise Sayings

17 Here are some sayings
of people with wisdom,
so listen carefully
as I teach.
18 You will be glad
that you know these sayings
and can recite them.
19 I am teaching them today,
so that you
may trust the Lord.
20 I have written thirty sayings
filled with sound advice.
21 You can trust them completely
to give you the right words
for those in charge of you.

–1–

22 Don't take advantage
of the poor
or cheat them in court.
23 The Lord is their defender,
and what you do to them,
he will do to you.

–2–

24 Don't make friends with anyone
who has a bad temper.
25 You might turn out like them
and get caught in a trap.

–3–

26 Don't guarantee to pay
someone else's debt.
27 If you don't have the money,
you might lose your bed.

–4–

28 Don't move a boundary marker[a]
set up by your ancestors.

–5–

29 If you do your job well,
you will work for a ruler
and never be a slave.

Footnotes

  1. 22.28 marker: In ancient Israel boundary lines were sacred because all property was a gift from the Lord (see Deuteronomy 19.14).

Cross references

  1. 22.6 : Si 6.18.

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22 A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.2 The rich and the poor have this in common: Yahweh is the maker of them all.3 A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.4 The result of humility and the f...
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Proverbs 22 - Tree of Life Version (TLV)

22 A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth,and grace rather than silver or gold.2 Rich and poor have this in common—Adonai is the Maker of them all.3 A crafty person sees danger and hides,but the naïve keep going and suffer for it. 4 The reward of humility and fear of Adonaiis riches, h...
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22 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.2 The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all.3 A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple go on, and suffer for it.4 The reward for humility and fear of the L...
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22 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.2 The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all.3 A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple go on, and suffer for it.4 The reward for humility and fear of the L...
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Proverbs 22 - New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised (NRSVA)

22 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favour is better than silver or gold.2 The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord is the maker of them all.3 The clever see danger and hide; but the simple go on, and suffer for it.4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is...
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22 Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. 2 The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both. 3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. 4 True humil...
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22 A good name is to be chosen instead of many riches. Favor is better than silver and gold. 2 The rich and the poor meet together. The Lord is the maker of them all. 3 A wise man sees sin and hides himself, but the foolish go on, and are punished for it. 4 The reward for not having pride and havin...
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