Proverbs 22:16-26

16 Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich-both lead only to poverty.^[a]

Words of the Wise

17 Listen closely,^[b] 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^[c] and if^[d] 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^[e] about counsel and knowledge,

21 in order to teach you true and reliable words, so that you may give a dependable report^[f] to those who sent you?^[g]

22 Don't rob a poor man because he is poor, and don't crush the oppressed at the gate,^[h]

23 for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.^[i]

24 Don't make friends with an angry man,^[j] and don't be a companion of a hot-tempered man,

25 or you will learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.^[k]

26 Don't be one of those who enter agreements,^[l] who put up security for loans.^[m]

Proverbs 22:16-26 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

• [a]. Pr 11:24; 22:7; 28:27
• [b]. Lit Stretch out your ear
• [c]. Pr 18:8
• [d]. Or you; let them be, or you, so that
• [e]. Text emended; one Hb tradition reads you previously; alt Hb tradition reads you excellent things; LXX, Syr, Vg read you three times
• [f]. Lit give dependable words
• [g]. Pr 10:26; 25:13
• [h]. Pr 24:7; Ru 4:11; Zch 8:16
• [i]. Pr 23:10-11; Isa 3:13-15
• [j]. Lit with a master of anger
• [k]. Pr 15:18; 18:7; 19:19
• [l]. Lit who shakes hands
• [m]. Pr 6:1-5; 11:15; 17:18