New Living Translation (NLT)
Proverbs 22
11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.
12 The LORD preserves those with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.
13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!”
14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap; those who make the LORD angry will fall into it.
15 A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.
16 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.
17 Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.
18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips.
19 I am teaching you today—yes, you— so you will trust in the LORD.
20 I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge.
21 In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you.