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22 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
    and favor is better than silver or gold.(A)
The rich and the poor have this in common:
    the Lord is the maker of them all.

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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,
    and the borrower is the slave of the lender.(A)

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

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Those who are generous are blessed,
    for they share their bread with the poor.(A)

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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 in order to enrich oneself,
    and giving to the rich, will lead only to loss.

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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 Do not be one of those who give pledges,
    who become surety for debts.(A)
27 If you have nothing with which to pay,
    why should your bed be taken from under you?

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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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