The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Proverbs 22

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Proverbs chapter 22 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” — the complete text of all 29 verses is below, free to read online.

1A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

2The rich and the poor meet together--the HaShem is the maker of them all.

3A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the thoughtless pass on, and are punished.

4The reward of humility is the fear of HaShem, even riches, and honour, and life.

5Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward; he that keepeth his soul holdeth himself far from them.

6Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old, he will not depart from it.

7The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

8He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity; and the rod of his wrath shall fail.

9He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

10Cast out the scorner, and contention will go out; yea, strife and shame will cease.

11He that loveth pureness of heart, that hath grace in his lips, the king shall be his friend.

12The eyes of HaShem preserve him that hath knowledge, but He overthroweth the words of the faithless man.

13The sluggard saith: 'There is a lion without; I shall be slain in the streets.'

14The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of HaShem shall fall therein.

15Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

16One may oppress the poor, yet will their gain increase; one may give to the rich, yet will want come.

17Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thy heart unto my knowledge.

18For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; let them be established altogether upon thy lips.

19That thy trust may be in HaShem, I have made them known to thee this day, even to thee.

20Have not I written unto thee excellent things of counsels and knowledge;

21That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, that thou mightest bring back words of truth to them that send thee?

22Rob not the weak, because he is weak, neither crush the poor in the gate;

23For HaShem will plead their cause, and despoil of life those that despoil them.

24Make no friendship with a man that is given to anger; and with a wrathful man thou shalt not go;

25Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

26Be thou not of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts;

27If thou hast not wherewith to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

28Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

29Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

29 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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