BSB · Scripture
Proverbs 22
Berean Standard Bible
Section headings and translator notes come from the publisher; they are reading aids, distinct from the Bible text.
A Good Name
Verse1A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.
Verse2The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all.
Verse3The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.
Verse4The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.
Verse5Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them.
Verse6Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Verse7The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
Verse8He who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
Verse9A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
Verse10Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease.
Verse11He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend.
Verse12The LORD’s eyes keep watch over knowledge, but He frustrates the words of the faithless.
Verse13The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!”
Verse14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the wrath of the LORD will fall into it.
Verse15Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
Verse16Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty.
Thirty Sayings of the Wise
Saying 1
Verse17Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise— apply your mind to my knowledge—
Verse18for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips.
Verse19So that your trust may be in the LORD, I instruct you today—yes, you.
Verse20Have I not written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge,
Verse21to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?
Saying 2
Verse22Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate,
Verse23for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.
Saying 3
Verse24Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man,
Verse25or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
Saying 4
Verse26Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts.
Verse27If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
Saying 5
Verse28Do not move an ancient boundary stone which your fathers have placed.
Saying 6
Verse29Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
Translator notes (3)
- Verse 8: LXX includes God blesses a cheerful and generous man, but foolish works will come to an end; see also 2 Corinthians 9:7.
- Verse 9: Literally He whose eye is good
- Verse 20: Or written for you excellent sayings or written for you three times