Thematic Bible

Proverbs 22:1

A good name [earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity] is more desirable than great riches;
And favor is better than silver and gold.

Proverbs 22:2


The rich and poor have a common bond;
The Lord is the Maker of them all.

Proverbs 22:3


A prudent and far-sighted person sees the evil [of sin] and hides himself [from it],
But the naive continue on and are punished [by suffering the consequences of sin].

Proverbs 22:4


The reward of humility [that is, having a realistic view of one’s importance] and the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the Lord
Is riches, honor, and life.

Proverbs 22:5


Thorns and snares are in the way of the obstinate [for their lack of honor and their wrong-doing traps them];
He who guards himself [with godly wisdom] will be far from them and avoid the consequences they suffer.

Proverbs 22:6


Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents],
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:7


The rich rules over the poor,
And the borrower is servant to the lender.

Proverbs 22:8


He who sows injustice will reap [a harvest of] trouble,
And the rod of his wrath [with which he oppresses others] will fail.

Proverbs 22:9


He who is generous will be blessed,
For he gives some of his food to the poor.

Proverbs 22:10


Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go away;
Even strife and dishonor will cease.

Proverbs 22:11


He who loves purity of heart
And whose speech is gracious will have the king as his friend.

Proverbs 22:12


The eyes of the Lord keep guard over knowledge and the one who has it,
But He overthrows the words of the treacherous.

Proverbs 22:13


The lazy one [manufactures excuses and] says, “There is a lion outside!
I will be killed in the streets [if I go out to work]!”

Proverbs 22:14


The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit [deep and inescapable];
He who is cursed by the Lord [because of his adulterous sin] will fall into it.

Proverbs 22:15


Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
The rod of discipline [correction administered with godly wisdom and lovingkindness] will remove it far from him.

Proverbs 22:16


He who oppresses or exploits the poor to get more for himself
Or who gives to the rich [to gain influence and favor], will only come to poverty.

Proverbs 22:17


Listen carefully and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your mind to my knowledge;

Proverbs 22:18


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].
No Themes for this verse.

Proverbs 22:19


So that your trust and reliance and confidence may be in the Lord,
I have taught these things to you today, even to you.
No Themes for this verse.

Proverbs 22:20


Have I not written to you excellent things
In counsels and knowledge,
No Themes for this verse.

Proverbs 22:21


To let you know the certainty of the words of truth,
That you may give a correct answer to him who sent you?
No Themes for this verse.

Proverbs 22:22


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],

Proverbs 22:23


For the Lord will plead their case
And take the life of those who rob them.

Proverbs 22:24


Do not even associate with a man given to angry outbursts;
Or go [along] with a hot-tempered man,

Proverbs 22:25


Or you will learn his [undisciplined] ways
And get yourself trapped [in a situation from which it is hard to escape].

Proverbs 22:26


Do not be among those who give pledges [involving themselves in others’ finances],
Or among those who become guarantors for others’ debts.

Proverbs 22:27


If you have nothing with which to pay [another’s debt when he defaults],
Why should his creditor take your bed from under you?

Proverbs 22:28


Do not move the ancient landmark [at the boundary of the property]
Which your fathers have set.

Proverbs 22:29


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.