Proverbs 22

1 The innocent believeth every word: the discreet man considereth his steps. No good shall come to the deceitful son: but the wise servant shall prosper in his dealings, and his way shall be made straight. 2 A wise man feareth, and declineth from evil: the fool leapeth over, and is confident. 3 The impatient man shall work folly: and the crafty man is hateful. 4 The childish shall possess folly, and the prudent shall look for knowledge. 5 The evil shall fall down before the good: and the wicked before the gates of the just. 6 The poor man shall be hateful even to his own neighbour: but the friends of the rich are many. 7 He that despiseth his neighbour, sinneth: but he that sheweth mercy to the poor, shall be blessed. He that believeth in the Lord, loveth mercy. 8 They err that work evil: but mercy and truth prepare good things. 9 In much work there shall be abundance: but where there are many words, there is oftentimes want. 10 The crown of the wise, is their riches: the folly of fools, imprudence. 11 A faithful witness delivereth souls: and the double dealer uttereth lies. 12 In the fear of the Lord is confidence of strength, and there shall be hope for his children. 13 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to decline from the ruin of death. 14 In the multitude of people is the dignity of the king: and in the small number of the people the dishonour of the prince. 15 He that is patient, is governed with much wisdom: but he that is impatient, exalteth his folly. 16 Soundness of heart is the life of the flesh: but envy is the rottenness of the bones. 17 He that oppresseth the poor, upbraideth his maker: but he that hath pity on the poor, honoureth him. 18 The wicked man shall be driven out in his wickedness: but the just hath hope in his death. 19 In the heart of the prudent resteth wisdom, and it shall instruct all the ignorant. 20 Justice exalteth a nation: but sin maketh nations miserable. 21 A wise servant is acceptable to the king: he that is good for nothing shall feel his anger. 23 A mild answer breaketh wrath: but a harsh word stirreth up fury. 24 The tongue of the wise adorneth knowledge: but the mouth of fools bubbleth out folly. 25 The eyes of the Lord in every place behold the good and the evil. 26 A peaceable tongue is a tree of life: but that which is immoderate, shall crush the spirit. 27 A fool laugheth at the instruction of his father: but he that regardeth reproofs shall become prudent. In abundant justice there is the greatest strength: but the devices of the wicked shall be rooted out. 28 The house of the just is very much strength: and in the fruits of the wicked is trouble. 29 The lips of the wise shall disperse knowledge: the heart of fools shall be unlike.