Proverbs 22:12-22

12 The LORD's eyes protect knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the treacherous.

13 A lazy person says, "There's a lion in the street! I'll be killed in the town square!"

14 The mouth of a mysterious woman is a deep pit; those under the LORD's wrath will fall in it.

15 Folly is bound up in a child's heart; the rod of discipline removes it.

16 Oppressing the poor to get rich and giving to the wealthy lead only to poverty.

Thirty sayings of the wise

17 Turn your ear and hear the words of the wise; focus your mind on my knowledge.

18 It will be pleasant if you keep the words in you, if you have them ready on your lips.

19 So that your trust will be in the LORD, I'm teaching you today—yes, you.

20 Haven't I written for you thirty sayings full of advice and knowledge?

21 Their purpose is to teach you true, reliable words, so you can report back reliably to those who sent you.

22 Don't steal from the poor, because they are poor. Don't oppress the needy in the gate.

Proverbs 22:12-22 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] Heb uncertain