Proverbs 22:16-26

16 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.

17 Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.

18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips.

19 I am teaching you today—yes, you— so you will trust in the LORD .

20 I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge.

21 In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you.

22 Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court.

23 For the LORD is their defender. He will ruin anyone who ruins them.

24 Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people,

25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

26 Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else.

Proverbs 22:16-26 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 10

This chapter contains an account of the queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon to her great satisfaction, 1Ki 10:1-13, of Solomon's merchandise and riches, and the magnificence of his court, 1Ki 10:14-23, of the rich presents sent to him, and of the purchase of chariots and horses, and other things, he made, 1Ki 10:24-29.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or excellent sayings; the meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.