proverbs22: have a reputation, be good at your work.

 In proverbs 22 we read:

1 A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich;

    a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.

Any company should value much more its reputation than short-term profits to stay in business. Although, we must do what is correct by the fear of the Lord, it may have good consequences for business too.

2 The rich and the poor shake hands as equals—

    God made them both!

7 The poor are always ruled over by the rich,

    so don’t borrow and put yourself under their power.

9 Generous hands are blessed hands

    because they give bread to the poor.

16 Exploit the poor or glad-hand the rich—whichever,

    you’ll end up the poorer for it.

22-23 Don’t walk on the poor just because they’re poor,

    and don’t use your position to crush the weak,

Because God will come to their defense;

    the life you took, he’ll take from you and give back to them.

The rich must not despise the poor. We are created as the image of God. The poor must take care not put himself as a slave of the rich through borrowing. The Lord bless generous hands.

3 A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks;

    a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.

5 The perverse travel a dangerous road, potholed and mud-slick;

    if you know what’s good for you, stay clear of it.

The prudent and the simpleton see the same things but interpret them differently. 

4 The payoff for meekness and Fear-of-God

    is plenty and honor and a satisfying life.

6 Point your kids in the right direction—

    when they’re old they won’t be lost.

If you want to end your life in earth with a satisfying life be meek and have the fear of the Lord. It is difficult to change life when older, so blessed are the children who are shown the right direction!

8 Whoever sows sin reaps weeds,

    and bullying anger sputters into nothing.

Many proverbs saying that we have our reward or punishment.

10 Kick out the troublemakers and things will quiet down;

    you need a break from bickering and griping!

If you are a teacher kick out the troublemakers and the class will be ok. 

13 The loafer says, “There’s a lion on the loose!

    If I go out I’ll be eaten alive!”

The loafer always finds motives to not work.

15 Young people are prone to foolishness and fads;

    the cure comes through tough-minded discipline.

Young people must be disciplined to apart from foolishness and fads.

24-25 Don’t hang out with angry people;

    don’t keep company with hotheads.

Bad temper is contagious—

    don’t get infected.

You are strongly influenced by your companion. 

29 Observe people who are good at their work—

    skilled workers are always in demand and admired;

    they don’t take a backseat to anyone.

If you want to prosper, be good at your work.