Proverbs 22:21-29

The Message

^17-21 Listen carefully to my wisdom;
    take to heart what I can teach you.
You’ll treasure its sweetness deep within;
    you’ll give it bold expression in your speech.
To make sure your foundation is trust in God,
    I’m laying it all out right now just for you.
I’m giving you thirty sterling principles—
    tested guidelines to live by.
Believe me—these are truths that work,
    and will keep you accountable
    to those who sent you.

^22-23 Don’t walk on the poor just because they’re poor,
    and don’t use your position to crush the weak,
Because God will come to their defense;
    the life you took, he’ll take from you and give back to them.

^24-25 Don’t hang out with angry people;
    don’t keep company with hotheads.
Bad temper is contagious—
    don’t get infected.

^26-27 Don’t gamble on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow,
    pawning your house against a lucky chance.
The time will come when you have to pay up;
    you’ll be left with nothing but the shirt on your back.

²⁸ Don’t stealthily move back the boundary lines
    staked out long ago by your ancestors.

²⁹ Observe people who are good at their work—
    skilled workers are always in demand and admired;
    they don’t take a backseat to anyone.