Proverbiorum 22
1 melius est nomen bonum quam divitiae multae super argentum et aurum gratia bona
A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favour is better than silver and gold.
2 dives et pauper obviaverunt sibi utriusque operator est Dominus
The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is the maker of them all.
3 callidus vidit malum et abscondit se innocens pertransiit et adflictus est damno
A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
4 finis modestiae timor Domini divitiae et gloria et vita
The result of humility and the fear of the LORD is wealth, honour, and life.
5 arma et gladii in via perversi custos animae suae longe recedit ab eis
Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked; whoever guards his soul stays far from them.
6 proverbium est adulescens iuxta viam suam etiam cum senuerit non recedet ab ea
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 dives pauperibus imperat et qui accipit mutuum servus est fenerantis
The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.
8 qui seminat iniquitatem metet mala et virga irae suae consummabitur
He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
9 qui pronus est ad misericordiam benedicetur de panibus enim suis dedit pauperi
He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
10 eice derisorem et exibit cum eo iurgium cessabuntque causae et contumeliae
Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
11 qui diligit cordis munditiam propter gratiam labiorum suorum habebit amicum regem
He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully is the king’s friend.
12 oculi Domini custodiunt scientiam et subplantantur verba iniqui
The LORD’s eyes watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
13 dicit piger leo foris in medio platearum occidendus sum
The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!”
14 fovea profunda os alienae cui iratus est Dominus incidet in eam
The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit. He who is under the LORD’s wrath will fall into it.
15 stultitia conligata est in corde pueri et virga disciplinae fugabit eam
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16 qui calumniatur pauperem ut augeat divitias suas dabit ipse ditiori et egebit
Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, both come to poverty.
17 inclina aurem tuam et audi verba sapientium adpone autem cor ad doctrinam meam
Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching.
18 quae pulchra erit tibi cum servaveris eam in ventre tuo et redundabit in labiis tuis
For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 ut sit in Domino fiducia tua unde et ostendi eam tibi hodie
I teach you today, even you, so that your trust may be in the LORD.
20 ecce descripsi eam tibi tripliciter in cogitationibus et scientia
Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge,
21 ut ostenderem tibi firmitatem et eloquia veritatis respondere ex his illi qui misit te
To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
22 non facias violentiam pauperi quia pauper est neque conteras egenum in porta
Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court;
23 quia Dominus iudicabit causam eius et configet eos qui confixerint animam eius
for the LORD will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.
24 noli esse amicus homini iracundo neque ambules cum viro furioso
Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man. Don’t associate with one who harbours anger,
25 ne forte discas semitas eius et sumas scandalum animae tuae
lest you learn his ways and ensnare your soul.
26 noli esse cum his qui defigunt manus suas et qui vades se offerunt pro debitis
Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts.
27 si enim non habes unde restituas quid causae est ut tollat operimentum de cubili tuo
If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?
28 ne transgrediaris terminos antiquos quos posuerunt patres tui
Don’t move the ancient boundary stone which your fathers have set up.
29 vidisti virum velocem in opere suo coram regibus stabit nec erit ante ignobiles
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won’t serve obscure men.
