Proverbs 22:15-29

15Foolishness is tangled up in the heart of a youth;
the rod of discipline will drive it away from him.
16Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself,
and giving to the rich-both lead only to poverty.
17Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise,
and apply your mind to my knowledge.
18For it is pleasing if you keep them within you
and if they are constantly on your lips.
19I have instructed you today-even you-
so that your confidence may be in the Lord.
20Haven't I written for you thirty sayings
about counsel and knowledge,
21in order to teach you true and reliable words,
so that you may give a dependable report
to those who sent you?
22Don't rob a poor man because he is poor,
and don't crush the oppressed at the gate,
23for the Lord will take up their case
and will plunder those who plunder them.
24Don't make friends with an angry man,
and don't be a companion of a hot-tempered man,
25or you will learn his ways
and entangle yourself in a snare.
26Don't be one of those who enter agreements,
who put up security for loans.
27If you have no money to pay,
even your bed will be taken from under you.
28Don't move an ancient boundary marker,
that your fathers set up.
29Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will stand in the presence of kings.
He will not stand in the presence of unknown men.