Proverbs 22: Cultivating Wisdom and Discernment
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein.
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
For the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Proverbs 22 offers a rich tapestry of insights, continuing the themes of wisdom, righteousness, and the fear of the Lord established in earlier chapters (Proverbs 10-21). This chapter serves as a bridge, completing the second major section of the book before introducing a collection of thirty wise sayings attributed to Solomon himself or endorsed by him (Proverbs 22:17-24:34). This chapter emphasizes the importance of character, diligence, and justice, offering practical guidance for navigating life's challenges and building a life of purpose and integrity.
The Value of Reputation and Godly Fear
Proverbs 22:1-5 highlights the enduring value of a good name and the blessings that come from fearing the Lord. A good reputation, built on integrity and character, is far more valuable than fleeting riches (Proverbs 22:1). Wealth can disappear, but a good name endures. This passage reminds us that true success lies not in material possessions but in the quality of our character and our relationship with God.
Furthermore, the fear of the LORD leads to a life of blessing, riches, honor, and life (Proverbs 22:4). This isn't a fearful dread, but a reverential respect and awe that guides our decisions and actions. Choosing a crooked path, however, will not be shielded by richness, and one will not be protected from punishment or the snares of life (Proverbs 22:3, 5).
The Foundation of Family: Training Children
One of the most well-known verses in Proverbs, 22:6, speaks to the importance of training children: "Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it." This verse underscores the vital role of parents in shaping the character and direction of their children's lives. Child training involves making our teaching understandable so kids can differentiate between wisdom and foolishness as early as possible. We shouldn’t soft-pedal the truth or only say what our children want to hear. And we shouldn’t bulldoze them or beat them over the head with the truth either. Another way to translate “on his way” is “according to his way”—that is, according to each child’s unique personality or bent. The way you deal with each child under your authority, then, should differ so that every one benefits from the kind of training most likely to leave a positive impact.
Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes that wise children bring joy to their parents, while foolish children bring grief and sorrow (Proverbs 10:1; 15:20; 17:21, 25; 19:13; 23:24; 29:3, 15). The obedience of a child is no small thing to God. Children living at home under the authority of their parents are called to obey their moms and dads, unless their parents lead them to disobey God. Yet not only are children commanded to receive their parents’ wisdom and instruction, parents are commanded to intentionally train their children. We must be purposeful and take advantage of every opportunity to point them down the wise path. Tragically, the failure of many parents to teach and discipline their children is at the heart of many of society’s problems today. God’s kingdom works through the family.
Discipline, particularly loving discipline (Proverbs 22:15), is essential for correcting foolishness and guiding children towards wisdom. Solomon is talking about willful foolishness—not just childishness and silliness. Many kids who are now reaching adulthood were never disciplined by their parents. Unfortunately, because they didn’t receive loving discipline at home, society is forced to correct them through the police and the government. They weren’t taught that their actions come with consequences. Disciplining your children requires courage and commitment. But, when done with love, it bears fruit that benefits everyone.
Wisdom in Finances and Relationships
Proverbs 22 also offers practical advice on managing finances and relationships. It cautions against excessive debt, reminding us that "the borrower is servant to the lender" (Proverbs 22:7). To avoid being a slave to the lender, learn sound financial principles and live within your means.
The chapter also highlights the principle of sowing and reaping (Proverbs 22:8-11). "Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity" (Proverbs 22:8), while generosity and kindness lead to blessing (Proverbs 22:9). Mocking lips reap conflict (Proverbs 22:10); gracious lips reap the king’s attention (Proverbs 22:11). This principle underscores the importance of our choices and actions, reminding us that we will ultimately reap what we sow.
The Words and Sayings of the Wise
Beginning in verse 17, Proverbs transitions into a collection of wise sayings, emphasizing the importance of applying our minds to knowledge (Proverbs 22:17). Receiving wise instruction is essential so that your confidence may be in the LORD (22:19)—not in people.
These sayings, which continue into chapter 24, offer practical guidance on a variety of topics, including avoiding exploitation of the vulnerable (Proverbs 22:22-23), steering clear of angry individuals (Proverbs 22:24-25), avoiding unwise financial investments (Proverbs 22:26-27), and respecting boundaries (Proverbs 22:28).
Diligence and Excellence
The chapter concludes with a powerful reminder of the value of diligence: "Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank" (Proverbs 22:29). This verse encourages us to pursue excellence in our work, reminding us that diligence and skill will be recognized and rewarded. Because they represent the Lord Jesus Christ, Christians should be known as those who work with excellence at whatever they do. “Good enough” doesn’t cut it. Whoever does quality labor will be recognized.
Proverbs 22 provides a wealth of wisdom for navigating the complexities of life. By prioritizing character, diligence, and a reverent fear of the Lord, we can build a life of purpose, integrity, and lasting value. The timeless truths found in this chapter offer guidance for individuals, families, and communities, empowering us to live wisely and make a positive impact on the world around us.
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein.
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
For the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Proverbs 22 offers a rich tapestry of insights, continuing the themes of wisdom, righteousness, and the fear of the Lord established in earlier chapters (Proverbs 10-21). This chapter serves as a bridge, completing the second major section of the book before introducing a collection of thirty wise sayings attributed to Solomon himself or endorsed by him (Proverbs 22:17-24:34). This chapter emphasizes the importance of character, diligence, and justice, offering practical guidance for navigating life's challenges and building a life of purpose and integrity.
The Value of Reputation and Godly Fear
Proverbs 22:1-5 highlights the enduring value of a good name and the blessings that come from fearing the Lord. A good reputation, built on integrity and character, is far more valuable than fleeting riches (Proverbs 22:1). Wealth can disappear, but a good name endures. This passage reminds us that true success lies not in material possessions but in the quality of our character and our relationship with God.
Furthermore, the fear of the LORD leads to a life of blessing, riches, honor, and life (Proverbs 22:4). This isn't a fearful dread, but a reverential respect and awe that guides our decisions and actions. Choosing a crooked path, however, will not be shielded by richness, and one will not be protected from punishment or the snares of life (Proverbs 22:3, 5).
The Foundation of Family: Training Children
One of the most well-known verses in Proverbs, 22:6, speaks to the importance of training children: "Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it." This verse underscores the vital role of parents in shaping the character and direction of their children's lives. Child training involves making our teaching understandable so kids can differentiate between wisdom and foolishness as early as possible. We shouldn’t soft-pedal the truth or only say what our children want to hear. And we shouldn’t bulldoze them or beat them over the head with the truth either. Another way to translate “on his way” is “according to his way”—that is, according to each child’s unique personality or bent. The way you deal with each child under your authority, then, should differ so that every one benefits from the kind of training most likely to leave a positive impact.
Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes that wise children bring joy to their parents, while foolish children bring grief and sorrow (Proverbs 10:1; 15:20; 17:21, 25; 19:13; 23:24; 29:3, 15). The obedience of a child is no small thing to God. Children living at home under the authority of their parents are called to obey their moms and dads, unless their parents lead them to disobey God. Yet not only are children commanded to receive their parents’ wisdom and instruction, parents are commanded to intentionally train their children. We must be purposeful and take advantage of every opportunity to point them down the wise path. Tragically, the failure of many parents to teach and discipline their children is at the heart of many of society’s problems today. God’s kingdom works through the family.
Discipline, particularly loving discipline (Proverbs 22:15), is essential for correcting foolishness and guiding children towards wisdom. Solomon is talking about willful foolishness—not just childishness and silliness. Many kids who are now reaching adulthood were never disciplined by their parents. Unfortunately, because they didn’t receive loving discipline at home, society is forced to correct them through the police and the government. They weren’t taught that their actions come with consequences. Disciplining your children requires courage and commitment. But, when done with love, it bears fruit that benefits everyone.
Wisdom in Finances and Relationships
Proverbs 22 also offers practical advice on managing finances and relationships. It cautions against excessive debt, reminding us that "the borrower is servant to the lender" (Proverbs 22:7). To avoid being a slave to the lender, learn sound financial principles and live within your means.
The chapter also highlights the principle of sowing and reaping (Proverbs 22:8-11). "Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity" (Proverbs 22:8), while generosity and kindness lead to blessing (Proverbs 22:9). Mocking lips reap conflict (Proverbs 22:10); gracious lips reap the king’s attention (Proverbs 22:11). This principle underscores the importance of our choices and actions, reminding us that we will ultimately reap what we sow.
The Words and Sayings of the Wise
Beginning in verse 17, Proverbs transitions into a collection of wise sayings, emphasizing the importance of applying our minds to knowledge (Proverbs 22:17). Receiving wise instruction is essential so that your confidence may be in the LORD (22:19)—not in people.
These sayings, which continue into chapter 24, offer practical guidance on a variety of topics, including avoiding exploitation of the vulnerable (Proverbs 22:22-23), steering clear of angry individuals (Proverbs 22:24-25), avoiding unwise financial investments (Proverbs 22:26-27), and respecting boundaries (Proverbs 22:28).
Diligence and Excellence
The chapter concludes with a powerful reminder of the value of diligence: "Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank" (Proverbs 22:29). This verse encourages us to pursue excellence in our work, reminding us that diligence and skill will be recognized and rewarded. Because they represent the Lord Jesus Christ, Christians should be known as those who work with excellence at whatever they do. “Good enough” doesn’t cut it. Whoever does quality labor will be recognized.
Proverbs 22 provides a wealth of wisdom for navigating the complexities of life. By prioritizing character, diligence, and a reverent fear of the Lord, we can build a life of purpose, integrity, and lasting value. The timeless truths found in this chapter offer guidance for individuals, families, and communities, empowering us to live wisely and make a positive impact on the world around us.