Proverbs 22:12-22

12 God guards knowledge with a passion, but he'll have nothing to do with deception.
13 The loafer says, "There's a lion on the loose! If I go out I'll be eaten alive!"
14 The mouth of a whore is a bottomless pit; you'll fall in that pit if you're on the outs with God.
15 Young people are prone to foolishness and fads; the cure comes through tough-minded discipline.
16 Exploit the poor or glad-hand the rich - whichever, you'll end up the poorer for it. The Thirty Precepts of the Sages Don't Move Back the Boundary Lines
17 Listen carefully to my wisdom; take to heart what I can teach you. You'll treasure its sweetness deep within;
18 you'll give it bold expression in your speech.
19 To make sure your foundation is trust in God, I'm laying it all out right now just for you.
20 I'm giving you thirty sterling principles - tested guidelines to live by.
21 Believe me - these are truths that work, and will keep you accountable to those who sent you.
22 Don't walk on the poor just because they're poor, and don't use your position to crush the weak,

Proverbs 22:12-22 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.

Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.