Proverbs 22:1-16

1 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 humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.

5 Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it.

6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

7 Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end.

9 Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.

10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.

11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.

12 The LORD preserves those with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.

13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!”

14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap; those who make the LORD angry will fall into it.

15 A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.

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

Proverbs 22:1-16 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] The Greek version includes an additional proverb: God blesses a man who gives cheerfully, / but his worthless deeds will come to an end. Compare 2 Cor 9:7 .