Words of the Wise

17 Listen closely,[a] pay attention to the words of the wise,(A)
and apply your mind to my knowledge.
18 For it is pleasing if you keep them within you
and if they are[b] constantly on your lips.
19 I have instructed you today—even you—
so that your confidence may be in the Lord.
20 Haven’t I written for you thirty sayings[c]
about counsel and knowledge,
21 in order to teach you true and reliable words,
so that you may give a dependable report[d](B)
to those who sent you?(C)

22 Don’t rob a poor person because he is poor,
and don’t crush the oppressed(D) at the city gate,(E)
23 for the Lord will champion their cause(F)
and will plunder those who plunder them.

24 Don’t make friends with an angry person,[e]
and don’t be a companion of a hot-tempered one,(G)
25 or you will learn his ways(H)
and entangle yourself in a snare.

26 Don’t be one of those who enter agreements,[f]
who put up security for loans.(I)
27 If you have nothing with which to pay,
even your bed will be taken from under you.(J)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 22:17 Lit Stretch out your ear
  2. 22:18 Or you; let them be, or you, so that they are
  3. 22:20 Text emended; one Hb tradition reads you previously; alt Hb tradition reads you excellent things; LXX, Syr, Vg read you three times
  4. 22:21 Lit give dependable words
  5. 22:24 Lit with a master of anger
  6. 22:26 Lit Don’t be among hand slappers

Bible Gateway Recommends

CSB Everyday Study Bible--soft leather-look, British tan
CSB Everyday Study Bible--soft leather-look, British tan
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $20.21
Save: $14.78 (42%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB Grace Bible for Kids--soft leather-look, blue
CSB Grace Bible for Kids--soft leather-look, blue
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $24.99
Save: $20.00 (44%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Kids Bible--soft leather-look, pink
CSB Kids Bible--soft leather-look, pink
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $21.94
Save: $8.05 (27%)
CSB God Loves You Bible for Teens
CSB God Loves You Bible for Teens
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $4.29
Save: $5.70 (57%)
CSB Pocket New Testament with Psalms, Black Paperback
CSB Pocket New Testament with Psalms, Black Paperback
Retail: $2.99
Our Price: $1.72
Save: $1.27 (42%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Law Enforcement Officer's Bible, Black LeatherTouch
CSB Law Enforcement Officer's Bible, Black LeatherTouch
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $14.29
Save: $10.70 (43%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars