Proverbs 22:17-29

Words of the Wise

17 Listen closely,[a] pay attention to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge.
18 For it is pleasing if you keep them within you[b] and if[c] they are constantly on your lips.
19 I have instructed you today-even you- so that your confidence may be in the Lord.
20 Haven't I written for you thirty sayings[d] about counsel and knowledge,
21 in order to teach you true and reliable words, so that you may give a dependable report[e] to those who sent you?[f]
22 Don't rob a poor man because he is poor, and don't crush the oppressed at the gate,[g]
23 for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.[h]
24 Don't make friends with an angry man,[i] and don't be a companion of a hot-tempered man,
25 or you will learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.[j]
26 Don't be one of those who enter agreements,[k] who put up security for loans.[l]
27 If you have no money to pay, even your bed will be taken from under you.
28 Don't move an ancient property line that your fathers set up.[m]
29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of unknown men.[n]

Proverbs 22:17-29 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 10

This chapter contains an account of the queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon to her great satisfaction, 1Ki 10:1-13, of Solomon's merchandise and riches, and the magnificence of his court, 1Ki 10:14-23, of the rich presents sent to him, and of the purchase of chariots and horses, and other things, he made, 1Ki 10:24-29.

Footnotes 14

  • [a]. Lit Stretch out your ear
  • [b]. Pr 18:8
  • [c]. Or you; let them be, or you, so that
  • [d]. Text emended; one Hb tradition reads you previously; alt Hb tradition reads you excellent things; LXX, Syr, Vg read you three times
  • [e]. Lit give dependable words
  • [f]. Pr 10:26; 25:13
  • [g]. Pr 24:7; Ru 4:11; Zch 8:16
  • [h]. Pr 23:10-11; Isa 3:13-15
  • [i]. Lit with a master of anger
  • [j]. Pr 15:18; 18:7; 19:19
  • [k]. Lit who shakes hands
  • [l]. Pr 6:1-5; 11:15; 17:18
  • [m]. Pr 23:10; Dt 19:14; 27:17
  • [n]. Pr 14:35
Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.