Proverbs 22:1-4
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Chapter 22
1 A good name is more desirable than great riches,
and high esteem, than gold and silver.[a](A)
2 Rich and poor have a common bond:
the Lord is the maker of them all.(B)
3 The astute see an evil and hide,
while the naive continue on and pay the penalty.[b](C)
4 The result of humility and fear of the Lord
is riches, honor and life.[c]
Footnotes
- 22:1 “Good name” (Heb. shem) and “high esteem” (Heb. chen) are declared to be of more value than great riches. Human beings belong to a community and without the acceptance of that community, which is built on esteem and trust, human life is grievously damaged. Riches are less essential to the human spirit.
- 22:3 The wise see dangers before they are engulfed by them whereas fools, through dullness or boldness, march right on.
- 22:4 Humiliation can be an occasion for knowing one’s place in God’s world. Such knowledge is part of fear (or revering) of the Lord. Revering the Lord brings the blessings of wealth, honor, and long life. The saying is perhaps meant to counter the view that humiliation is an unmixed evil; something good can come of it.
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