22
If the rich person slips, many come to the rescue; he speaks unseemly words, but they justify him. If the humble person slips, they even criticize him; he talks sense, but is not given a hearing.
20
Humility is an abomination to the proud; likewise the poor are an abomination to the rich.
21
When the rich person totters, he is supported by friends, but when the humble falls, he is pushed away even by friends.
22
If the rich person slips, many come to the rescue; he speaks unseemly words, but they justify him. If the humble person slips, they even criticize him; he talks sense, but is not given a hearing.
23
The rich person speaks and all are silent; they extol to the clouds what he says. The poor person speaks and they say, "Who is this fellow?" And should he stumble, they even push him down.
24
Riches are good if they are free from sin; poverty is evil only in the opinion of the ungodly.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.