Proverbs 22:1-10

The Message

22 A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich;
a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.

²The rich and the poor shake hands as equals—
God made them both!

³A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks;
a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.

⁴The payoff for meekness and Fear-of-God
is plenty and honor and a satisfying life.

⁵The perverse travel a dangerous road, potholed and mud-slick;
if you know what’s good for you, stay clear of it.

⁶Point your kids in the right direction—
when they’re old they won’t be lost.

⁷The poor are always ruled over by the rich,
so don’t borrow and put yourself under their power.

⁸Whoever sows sin reaps weeds,
and bullying anger sputters into nothing.

⁹Generous hands are blessed hands
because they give bread to the poor.

¹⁰Kick out the troublemakers and things will quiet down;
you need a break from bickering and griping!

Proverbs 22:1-10

New International Version

22 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.^(A)

²Rich and poor have this in common:
The Lord is the Maker of them all.^(B)

³The prudent see danger and take refuge,^(C)
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.^(D)

⁴Humility is the fear of the Lord;
its wages are riches and honor^(E) and life.^(F)

⁵In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,^(G)
but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

⁶Start^(H) children off on the way they should go,^(I)
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.^(J)

⁷The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is slave to the lender.

⁸Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity,^(K)
and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.^(L)

⁹The generous will themselves be blessed,^(M)
for they share their food with the poor.^(N)

¹⁰Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;
quarrels and insults are ended.^(O)

The Message (MSG)

New International Version (NIV)