Proverbs 22:5-16 The Message (MSG)

5. The perverse travel a dangerous road, potholed and mud-slick;if you know what’s good for you, stay clear of it.

6. Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost.

7. The poor are always ruled over by the rich,so don’t borrow and put yourself under their power.

8. Whoever sows sin reaps weeds,and bullying anger sputters into nothing.

9. Generous hands are blessed handsbecause they give bread to the poor.

10. Kick out the troublemakers and things will quiet down;you need a break from bickering and griping!

11. God loves the pure-hearted and well-spoken;good leaders also delight in their friendship.

12. God guards knowledge with a passion,but he’ll have nothing to do with deception.

13. The loafer says, “There’s a lion on the loose!If I go out I’ll be eaten alive!”

14. The mouth of a whore is a bottomless pit;you’ll fall in that pit if you’re on the outs with God.

15. Young people are prone to foolishness and fads;the cure comes through tough-minded discipline.

16. Exploit the poor or glad-hand the rich—whichever,you’ll end up the poorer for it.

Proverbs 22