Proverbs 22:17-29 ▼

17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And set your heart on my knowledge;

18 For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be established on your lips.

19 So that your trust may be in Yahweh, I have made you know today, even you.

20 Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge,

21 To make you know the veracity of the words of truth That you may respond with the words of truth to him who sent you?

22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, And do not crush the afflicted at the gate;

23 For Yahweh will plead their case And rob the soul of those who rob them.

24 Do not befriend a man of anger; And do not come along with a man of great wrath,

25 Lest you learn his ways And take on a snare against your soul.

26 Do not be among those who strike hands in pledge, Among those who become guarantors for debts.

27 If you have nothing with which to pay, Why should he take your bed from under you?

28 Do not move the ancient boundary Which your fathers made.

29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.