Proverbs 22:1-12

1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
    and favor is better than silver or gold.
² The rich and the poor meet together;
    the Lord is the Maker of them all.
³ The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
    but the simple go on and suffer for it.
⁴ The reward for humility and fear of the Lord
    is riches and honor and life.
⁵ Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;
    whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
⁶ Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it.
⁷ The rich rules over the poor,
    and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
⁸ Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,
    and the rod of his fury will fail.
⁹ Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,
    for he shares his bread with the poor.
¹⁰ Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,
    and quarreling and abuse will cease.
¹¹ He who loves purity of heart,
    and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
¹² The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,
    but he overthrows the words of the traitor.

1. Wisdom helps us value reputation over riches.
2. Wisdom helps us avoid danger.
3. Wisdom helps us bless others.

How can we live in wisdom and avoid danger?

• Be alert
• avoid sin
• walk in humility and obedience to the Lord
• Guard your soul

How can we bless others?

• With our resources
• By fostering peace
• With gracious speech and kind words