Proverbs for Fall: Proverbs 22

There's many wise sayings in today's Proverb. I'm especially drawn to the verses relating to work, ethics, and riches. 

Our media glorifies great riches, gained for any reason or purpose. I can't get over the amount of tv shows related to "wealthy" people and their lives. It seems you can find something regarding "rich and famous" folks at any time of day. No thank you!!

I've lived seasons of wealth and in poverty. 

We've received benevolence from our church (thank You Lord!) when we hit really tough times early in our marriage. The generosity of others helped carry us through those thin seasons, when we could not get the budget to work out on paper, yet every month the bills were paid (maybe late, but paid!). I have compassion for the poor because of the goodness God showed us through our brothers and sisters in Christ, displayed through our church.

Then there were seasons of abundance. Years that we squandered wealth (yes, even after living so frugal) and years that we gave generously to others. It's amazing how maturing in Christ can affect your priorities in financial giving, whether it's through a tithe to your church or an offering to missions or non-profit organization. 

I wish we had paid attention to the Proverbs more. There's such wisdom and insight to working, living, and giving within these verses.

Proverbs 22New Living Translation (NLT)

1 Choose a good reputation over great riches;
    being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

2 The rich and poor have this in common:
    The Lord made them both.

3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
    The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

4 True humility and fear of the Lord
    lead to riches, honor, and long life.

5 Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road;
    whoever values life will avoid it.

6 Direct your children onto the right path,
    and when they are older, they will not leave it.

7 Just as the rich rule the poor,
    so the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster,
    and their reign of terror will come to an end.[a]

9 Blessed are those who are generous,
    because they feed the poor.

10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too.
    Quarrels and insults will disappear.

11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech
    will have the king as a friend.

12 The Lord preserves those with knowledge,
    but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.

13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there!
    If I go outside, I might be killed!”

14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap;
    those who make the Lord angry will fall into it.

15 A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness,
    but physical discipline will drive it far away.

16 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor
    or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.

Sayings of the Wise

17 Listen to the words of the wise;
    apply your heart to my instruction.
18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart
    and always ready on your lips.
19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—
    so you will trust in the Lord.
20 I have written thirty sayings[b] for you,
    filled with advice and knowledge.
21 In this way, you may know the truth
    and take an accurate report to those who sent you.

22 Don’t rob the poor just because you can,
    or exploit the needy in court.
23 For the Lord is their defender.
    He will ruin anyone who ruins them.

24 Don’t befriend angry people
    or associate with hot-tempered people,
25 or you will learn to be like them
    and endanger your soul.

26 Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt
    or put up security for someone else.
27 If you can’t pay it,
    even your bed will be snatched from under you.

28 Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers
    set up by previous generations.

29 Do you see any truly competent workers?
    They will serve kings
    rather than working for ordinary people.

Bible text from BibleGateway.com