Proverbs 22:17-29

¶Listen carefully and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; For it will be pleasant if you keep them in mind [incorporating them as guiding principles]; Let them be ready on your lips [to guide and strengthen yourself and others]. So that your trust and reliance and confidence may be in the LORD, I have taught these things to you today, even to you. Have I not written to you excellent things In counsels and knowledge, To let you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may give a correct answer to him who sent you? [Luke 1:3, 4] ¶Do not rob the poor because he is poor [and defenseless], Nor crush the afflicted [by legal proceedings] at the gate [where the city court is held], [Ex 23:6; Job 31:16, 21] For the LORD will plead their case And take the life of those who rob them. [Zech 7:10; Mal 3:5] ¶Do not even associate with a man given to angry outbursts; Or go [along] with a hot-tempered man, Or you will learn his [undisciplined] ways And get yourself trapped [in a situation from which it is hard to escape]. ¶Do not be among those who give pledges [involving themselves in others’ finances], Or among those who become guarantors for others’ debts. If you have nothing with which to pay [another’s debt when he defaults], Why should his creditor take your bed from under you? ¶Do not move the ancient landmark [at the boundary of the property] Which your fathers have set. ¶Do you see a man skillful and experienced in his work? He will stand [in honor] before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.