Proverbs 22

1 You should want a good name more than you want great riches. To be highly respected is better than having silver or gold.

2 The LORD made rich people and poor people. That's what they have in common.

3 Wise people see danger and go to a safe place. But childish people keep going and suffer for it.

4 Have respect for the LORD and don't be proud. That will bring you wealth and honor and life.

5 Thorns and traps lie in the paths of evil people. But those who guard themselves stay far away from them.

6 Train a child in the way he should go. When he is old, he will not turn away from it.

7 Rich people rule over those who are poor. Borrowers are slaves to lenders.

8 Anyone who plants evil gathers a harvest of trouble. His power to beat others down will be destroyed.

9 Anyone who gives freely will be blessed. That's because he shares his food with those who are poor.

10 If you drive away those who make fun of others, fighting also goes away. Arguing and unkind words will stop.

11 Have a pure and loving heart, and speak kindly. Then you will be a friend of the king.

12 The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge. But he does away with the words of those who aren't faithful.

13 People who don't want to work say, "There's a lion outside!" Or they say, "I'll be murdered if I go out into the streets!"

14 The mouth of a woman who commits adultery is like a deep pit. Any man the LORD is angry with will fall into it.

15 A child is going to do foolish things. But correcting him will drive his foolishness far away from him.

16 One person may beat poor people down in order to get rich. Another person may give gifts to rich people. Both of them will become poor.

Sayings of Those Who Are Wise

17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of those who are wise. Apply your heart to the sayings I teach.

18 It is pleasing when you keep them in your heart. Have all of them ready on your lips.

19 You are the one I am teaching today. I want you to trust in the Lord.

20 I have written 30 sayings for you. They will give you knowledge and good advice.

21 I am teaching you words that are completely true. Then you can give the right answers to the one who sent you.

22 Don't take advantage of poor people just because they are poor. Don't beat down those who are in need by taking them to court.

23 The LORD will stand up for them in court. He will take back the stolen goods from those who have robbed them.

24 Don't be a friend with anyone who burns with anger. Don't go around with a person who gets angry easily.

25 You might learn his habits. And then you will be trapped by them.

26 Don't agree to pay for what someone else owes.

27 Don't put up money for him. If you don't have the money to pay, your bed will be taken right out from under you!

28 Don't move old boundary stones that your people set up long ago.

29 Do you see a man who does good work? He will serve kings. He won't serve ordinary people.

Proverbs 22 Commentary

Chapter 22

Verse 1 We should be more careful to do that by which we may get and keep a good name, than to raise or add unto a great estate. Verse 2 . Divine Providence has so ordered it, that some are rich, and others poor, but all are guilty before God; and at the throne of God's grace the poor are as welcome as the rich. Verse 3 . Faith foresees the evil coming upon sinners, and looks to Jesus Christ as the sure refuge from the storm. Verse 4 . Where the fear of God is, there will be humility. And much is to be enjoyed by it; spiritual riches, and eternal life at last. Verse 5 . The way of sin is vexatious and dangerous. But the way of duty is safe and easy. Verse 6 . Train children, not in the way they would go, that of their corrupt hearts, but in the way they should go; in which, if you love them, you would have them go. As soon as possible every child should be led to the knowledge of the Saviour. Verse 7 . This shows how important it is for every man to keep out of debt. As to the things of this life, there is a difference between the rich and the poor; but let the poor remember, it is the Lord that made the difference. Verse 8 . The power which many abuse, will soon fail them. Verse 9 . He that seeks to relieve the wants and miseries of others shall be blessed. Verse 10 . Profane scoffers and revilers disturb the peace. Verse 11 . God will be the Friend of a man in whose spirit there is no guile; this honour have all the saints. Verse 12 . God turns the counsels and designs of treacherous men to their own confusion. Verse 13 . The slothful man talks of a lion without, but considers not his real danger from the devil, that roaring lion within, and from his own slothfulness, which kills him. Verse 14 . The vile sin of licentiousness commonly besots the mind beyond recovery. Verse 15 . Sin is foolishness, it is in the heart, there is an inward inclination to sin: children bring it into the world with them; and it cleaves close to the soul. We all need to be corrected by our heavenly Father. Verse 16 . We are but stewards, and must distribute what God intrusts to our care, according to his will. ( 17-21 ) . To these words, to this knowledge, the ear must be bowed down, and the heart applied by faith and love. To live a life of delight in God and dependence on him, is the foundation of all practical religion. The way to know the certainty of the ( proverbs 22:22-23 ) that robs and oppresses the poor, does so at his peril. And if ( proverbs 22:24-25 ) hearts have so much tinder in them, that it is dangerous to have to do with those that throw about the sparks of their passion. ( proverbs 22:26-27 ) those are not so, who, by folly or other carelessness, waste what they have. Verse 28 . We are taught not to trespass on another man's right. And it is hard to find a truly industrious man. Such a man will rise. Seest thou a man diligent in the business of religion? He is likely to excel. Let us then be diligent in God's work.

Chapter Summary

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.