New International Reader s Version - NIrV - 1996
Proverbs 22
1
You should want a good name more than you want great riches. To be highly respected is better than having silver or gold.
Reference
2
The Lord made rich people and poor people. That's what they have in common.
Reference
Parallel theme
Job 31:15
Proverbs 14:31
Job 34:19
1 Corinthians 12:21
References Lord
1 Samuel 2:7
Proverbs 29:13
3
Wise people see danger and go to a safe place. But childish people keep going and suffer for it.
Reference
Evil
Proverbs 27:12
Proverbs 14:16
Parallel theme
Proverbs 29:1
Hebrews 11:7
Proverbs 7:7
Hebrews 6:18
4
Have respect for the Lord and don't be proud. That will bring you wealth and honor and life.
Reference
Parallel theme
Matthew 6:33
Proverbs 21:21
Isaiah 57:15
Proverbs 3:16
James 4:6
1 Timothy 4:8
References Lord
James 4:10
Isaiah 33:6
5
Thorns and traps lie in the paths of evil people. But those who guard themselves stay far away from them.
Reference
8
Anyone who plants evil gathers a harvest of trouble. His power to beat others down will be destroyed.
Reference
Parallel theme
Isaiah 30:31
Proverbs 14:3
Isaiah 14:29
Isaiah 10:5
Isaiah 9:4
Hosea 8:7
Sin
Job 4:8
Hosea 10:13
Psalm 125:3
9
Anyone who gives freely will be blessed. That's because he shares his food with those who are poor.
Reference
Blessing
Acts 20:35
Parallel theme
Proverbs 19:17
Hebrews 6:10
1 Peter 4:9
Hebrews 13:16
Isaiah 32:8
Proverbs 21:13
Luke 14:13
Psalm 112:9
Matthew 20:15
10
If you drive away those who make fun of others, fighting also goes away. Arguing and unkind words will stop.
Reference
12
The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge. But he does away with the words of those who aren't faithful.
Reference
References Lord
2 Chronicles 16:9
13
People who don't want to work say, "There's a lion outside!" Or they say, "I'll be murdered if I go out into the streets!"
Reference
Parallel theme
Proverbs 15:19
14
The mouth of a woman who commits adultery is like a deep pit. Any man the Lord is angry with will fall into it.
Reference
15
A child is going to do foolish things. But correcting him will drive his foolishness far away from him.
Reference
16
One person may beat poor people down in order to get rich. Another person may give gifts to rich people. Both of them will become poor.
Reference
17
Pay attention and listen to the sayings of those who are wise. Apply your heart to the sayings I teach.
Reference
20
I have written 30 sayings for you. They will give you knowledge and good advice.
Reference
Parallel theme
Proverbs 8:6
21
I am teaching you words that are completely true. Then you can give the right answers to the one who sent you.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Peter 3:15
22
Don't take advantage of poor people just because they are poor. Don't beat down those who are in need by taking them to court.
Reference
Parallel theme
Zechariah 7:10
Malachi 3:5
Proverbs 22:16
Exodus 23:6
Job 31:16
Job 31:21
Ezekiel 22:29
23
The Lord will stand up for them in court. He will take back the stolen goods from those who have robbed them.
Reference
Parallel theme
Proverbs 23:11
Psalm 43:1
References Lord
Psalm 12:5
Psalm 140:12
Jeremiah 51:36
1 Samuel 25:39
Psalm 35:10
Jeremiah 50:34
Malachi 3:5
Micah 7:9
24
Don't be a friend with anyone who burns with anger. Don't go around with a person who gets angry easily.
Reference
27
Don't put up money for him. If you don't have the money to pay, your bed will be taken right out from under you!
Reference
Parallel theme
Proverbs 20:16
29
Do you see a man who does good work? He will serve kings. He won't serve ordinary people.
Reference
Kingdom
Genesis 41:46
Parallel theme
1 Kings 11:28
Matthew 25:21
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Proverbs 10:4
Proverbs 12:24
Matthew 25:23
1 Kings 10:8
2 Timothy 4:2
Sin
Romans 12:11
Summary of Proverbs 22
Proverbs 22 develops a broad but cohesive picture of what makes a person's life truly valuable and how wisdom protects that life from unnecessary trouble.
The chapter begins with a powerful statement about reputation. A good name is worth more than great wealth. This immediately establishes one of its central ideas: character is more valuable than possessions.
Money can provide comfort and opportunities, but it cannot guarantee that people will trust or respect us. A person may become wealthy through questionable methods and still lose the things that matter most. In contrast, honesty, faithfulness, and a good reputation can remain valuable even when circumstances change.
The chapter then reminds us that rich and poor ultimately share the same Creator. This creates an important balance. People may have different economic circumstances, but those differences do not change their basic human worth before God.
Because of this, exploiting vulnerable people is treated very seriously.
The chapter repeatedly emphasizes generosity and justice. A person who shares with the poor is described as blessed, while someone who uses poverty as an opportunity for exploitation is warned of God's judgment.
Build character before wealth, prepare before trouble arrives, teach wisdom early, choose relationships carefully, treat the vulnerable with justice, take financial commitments seriously, and let reverence for God guide every part of life.
The chapter reminds us that a good life is not created by one major decision but by hundreds of ordinary choices. Those choices gradually form a person's reputation, relationships, habits, and future.
Ultimately, Proverbs 22 teaches that wisdom protects what money cannot buy: integrity, trust, healthy relationships, freedom, and a good name before God and people.
The chapter begins with a powerful statement about reputation. A good name is worth more than great wealth. This immediately establishes one of its central ideas: character is more valuable than possessions.
Money can provide comfort and opportunities, but it cannot guarantee that people will trust or respect us. A person may become wealthy through questionable methods and still lose the things that matter most. In contrast, honesty, faithfulness, and a good reputation can remain valuable even when circumstances change.
The chapter then reminds us that rich and poor ultimately share the same Creator. This creates an important balance. People may have different economic circumstances, but those differences do not change their basic human worth before God.
Because of this, exploiting vulnerable people is treated very seriously.
The chapter repeatedly emphasizes generosity and justice. A person who shares with the poor is described as blessed, while someone who uses poverty as an opportunity for exploitation is warned of God's judgment.
Build character before wealth, prepare before trouble arrives, teach wisdom early, choose relationships carefully, treat the vulnerable with justice, take financial commitments seriously, and let reverence for God guide every part of life.
The chapter reminds us that a good life is not created by one major decision but by hundreds of ordinary choices. Those choices gradually form a person's reputation, relationships, habits, and future.
Ultimately, Proverbs 22 teaches that wisdom protects what money cannot buy: integrity, trust, healthy relationships, freedom, and a good name before God and people.