Mashaym (Proverbs) — 22

1 Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

2 The rich and poor have this in common:  𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH made them both.

3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

4 True humility and fear of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH lead to riches, honor, and long life.

5 Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it.

6 Direct your children to the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

7 Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end.

9 Baraked are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.

10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.

11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.

12 For 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH preserves those with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.

13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!”

14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap; those who make 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH angry will fall into it.

15 A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.

16 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.

Sayings of the Wise

17 Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.

18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips.

19 I am teaching you today, yes you, so you will trust in 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH.

20 I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge.

21 In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you.

22 Do not rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court.

23 For 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH is their defender. 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH will ruin anyone who ruins them.

24 Do not befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people,

25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

26 Do not agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else.

27 If you can not pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.

28 Do not cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by previous generations.

29 Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.