22 A good name is to be chosen over great wealth;
favor is better than silver and gold.(A)

Rich and poor have this in common:[a]
the Lord makes them all.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. 22:2 Lit poor meet

Advice for Everyday Life

22 A good reputation is more desirable than great wealth,
and favorable acceptance more than silver and gold.

The rich and the poor have this in common—
    the Lord created both of them.

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The rich rule over the poor,(A)
and the borrower is a slave to the lender.(B)

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The wealthy rule over the poor,
    and anyone who borrows is a slave to the lender.

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A generous person[a] will be blessed,(A)
for he shares his food with the poor.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. 22:9 Lit Good of eye

Whoever is generous[a] will be blessed,
    for he shares his food with the poor.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 22:9 Lit. A good eye

16 Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself,
and giving to the rich—both lead only to poverty.(A)

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16 Whoever oppresses the poor to enrich himself
    and whoever gives gifts to the wealthy
        will yield only loss.

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

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Footnotes

  1. 22:26 Lit Don’t be among hand slappers

26 Don’t be one of those who make promises
    to guarantee loans for debts.
27 If you don’t have the ability to pay,
    why should your very bed be taken from under you?

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