Proverbs 22:17-24

¶Listen carefully and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; For it will be pleasant if you keep them in mind [incorporating them as guiding principles]; Let them be ready on your lips [to guide and strengthen yourself and others]. So that your trust and reliance and confidence may be in the LORD, I have taught these things to you today, even to you. Have I not written to you excellent things In counsels and knowledge, To let you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may give a correct answer to him who sent you? [Luke 1:3, 4] ¶Do not rob the poor because he is poor [and defenseless], Nor crush the afflicted [by legal proceedings] at the gate [where the city court is held], [Ex 23:6; Job 31:16, 21] For the LORD will plead their case And take the life of those who rob them. [Zech 7:10; Mal 3:5] ¶Do not even associate with a man given to angry outbursts; Or go [along] with a hot-tempered man