Proverbs 22:22-Proverbs 23:11 - Living With Your Neighbor
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],
For the Lord will plead their case
And take the life of those who rob them.
24
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].
26
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?
28
Do not move the ancient landmark [at the boundary of the property]
Which your fathers have set.
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.
1
Consider carefully what is [set] before you;
For you will put a knife to your throat
If you are a man of great appetite.
Do not desire his delicacies,
For it is deceptive food [offered to you with questionable motives].
4
Do not weary yourself [with the overwhelming desire] to gain wealth;
Cease from your own understanding of it.
When you set your eyes on wealth, it is [suddenly] gone.
For wealth certainly makes itself wings
Like an eagle that flies to the heavens.
6
Do not eat the bread of a selfish man,
Or desire his delicacies;
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he [in behavior—one who manipulates].
He says to you, “Eat and drink,”
Yet his heart is not with you [but it is begrudging the cost].
The morsel which you have eaten you will vomit up,
And you will waste your compliments.
9
Do not speak in the ears of a fool,
For he will despise the [godly] wisdom of your words.
10
Do not move the ancient landmark [at the boundary of the property]
And do not go into the fields of the fatherless [to take what is theirs],
For their Redeemer is strong and mighty;
He will plead their case against you.