Proverbs 22:17-21

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]

Proverbs 22:17-21 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] 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