Proverbs 22

"The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, but the naïve go on, and are punished for it" (v3). Wise people avoid situations likely to lead to sin (thorns and snares, v5), instead of walking next to the edge of disaster. Because we are easily influenced, the proverbs warn us not to associate with "a hot-tempered man, lest you learn his ways" (v24). Dealing unjustly or foolishly with money (v22, 26) will also bring predictably bad consequences.

While much of life is beyond our control, the proverbs teach us to pay attention to the areas within our own power.