Proverbs 22:17-26

17 The words of the wise: Incline your ear and hear my words, and apply your mind to my teaching;
18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today—yes, to you.
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings of admonition and knowledge,
21 to show you what is right and true, so that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
22 Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate;
23 for the Lord pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them.
24 Make no friends with those given to anger, and do not associate with hotheads,
25 or you may learn their ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
26 Do not be one of those who give pledges, who become surety for debts.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Cn Compare Gk: Heb [Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.