Proverbs 22:17-26

17 The words of the wise: Incline your ear and hear my words, and apply your mind to my teaching;

18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

19 So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today—yes, to you.

20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings of admonition and knowledge,

21 to show you what is right and true, so that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

22 Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate;

23 for the Lord pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them.

24 Make no friends with those given to anger, and do not associate with hotheads,

25 or you may learn their ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

26 Do not be one of those who give pledges, who become surety for debts.

Proverbs 22:17-26 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.

Proverbs 22:17-26 In-Context

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a boy, but the rod of discipline drives it far away.

16 Oppressing the poor in order to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich, will lead only to loss.

17 The words of the wise: Incline your ear and hear my words, and apply your mind to my teaching;

18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

19 So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today—yes, to you.

20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings of admonition and knowledge,

21 to show you what is right and true, so that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

22 Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate;

23 for the Lord pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them.

24 Make no friends with those given to anger, and do not associate with hotheads,

25 or you may learn their ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

26 Do not be one of those who give pledges, who become surety for debts.

27 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?

28 Do not remove the ancient landmark that your ancestors set up.

Footnotes

• [a]. Cn Compare Gk: Heb [Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise]