Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22:1

“In our modern, hedonistic, pleasure-seeking culture, character and reputation have a way of being ignored if not actually denigrated. True value must be seen, however, not in what one has but in what he or she truly is. A good name is an asset whose currency is unaffected by the boom or bust of the material world.” [Note: Merrill, p. 495.

Proverbs 22:6

“Train” (Heb. hanak) means to dedicate (cf. Deuteronomy 20:5; 1 Kings 8:63; 2 Chronicles 7:5; Daniel 3:2). It has the idea of narrowing and in this verse implies channeling the child’s conduct into the way of wisdom. That guidance might include dedicating him or her to God and preparing the child for future responsibilities and adulthood. [Note: Gleason L. Archer, Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties, p. 252. “In the way he should go” is literally “according to his way.” It may mean according to his personality, temperament, responses, or stage in life. On the other hand, it could mean the way in which he ought to go.

The Hebrew grammar permits either interpretation. However the context favors the latter view. “Way” in Proverbs usually means the path a person takes through life, not one’s personality, disposition, or stage in life. Consequently, the verse is saying the parent should train up a child in the way of wisdom, i.e., to live in the fear of God. [Note: Ross, pp. 1061-62; Toy, p. 415; McKane, p. 564; Kidner, p. 147; and Greenstone, p. 234. The second part of this verse has challenged the faith of many a godly parent. Obviously many children who have received good training have repudiated the way of wisdom later in life. The explanation for this seemingly broken promise lies in a correct understanding of what a proverb is. “A proverb is a literary device whereby a general truth is brought to bear on a specific situation. Many of the proverbs are not absolute guarantees for they express truths that are necessarily conditioned by prevailing circumstances. For example, Proverbs 22:3-4; Proverbs 22:9; Proverbs 22:11; Proverbs 22:16; Proverbs 22:29 do not express promises that are always binding. Though the proverbs are generally and usually true, occasional exceptions may be noted. This may be because of the self-will or deliberate disobedience of an individual who chooses to go his own way-the way of folly instead of the way of wisdom . . . It is generally true, however, that most children who are brought up in Christian homes, under the influence of godly parents who teach and live God’s standards (cf.

Ephesians 6:4), follow that training.” [Note: Buzzell, p. 953. This proverb clearly does not state a Scriptural promise. Rather, the revelation of Scripture elsewhere is that God allows people to make their own decisions. He does not force them to do what is right (cf. Proverbs 2:11-15; Proverbs 5:11-14; Ezekiel 18:20). “In sum, the proverb promises the educator that his original, and early, moral initiative has a permanent effect on a person for good. But that is not the whole truth about religious education.” [Note: Waltke, The Book . . . 31, p. 206.

Proverbs 22:7

This verse does not forbid borrowing. In Israel the Jews borrowed from one another. The Mosaic Law permitted this but condemned charging other Jews interest (Exodus 22:25; Deuteronomy 23:19; Deuteronomy 28:12; Deuteronomy 28:44), though the Israelites could charge foreigners interest (Deuteronomy 23:20). The New Testament does not forbid borrowing either, though it forbids not paying debts (Romans 13:6-8). It may be unwise to go into debt in some situations, but it is going too far to say that the Bible condemns going into debt.

“While a certain amount of honest debt is expected in today’s world, and everybody wants to achieve a good credit rating, we must be careful not to mistake presumption for faith. As the familiar adage puts it, ‘When your outgo exceeds your income, then your upkeep is your downfall.’” [Note: Wiersbe, p. 93. This verse warns the borrower that he puts himself in a vulnerable position by borrowing. He becomes dependent on another or others by borrowing. An unscrupulous lender might take advantage of him. Most lenders will not take unfair advantage of someone who borrows from them, but the borrower should be aware of this possibility. “The verse may be referring to the apparently common practice of Israelites selling themselves into slavery to pay off debts (see Exodus 21:2-7). It is not appreciably different from the modern debtor who is working to pay off bills.” [Note: Ross, p. 1062.

Proverbs 22:8

This verse provides encouragement for the oppressed. The last line assures the sufferer that God will eventually break the oppressing rod of the person who sows iniquity.

Proverbs 22:16

The gifts given to the rich are to secure their favor, not out of love for them (cf. Proverbs 14:31; Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 28:3).

Proverbs 22:17-21

A. Introduction to the 30 Sayings 22:17-21 As in chapters 1-9, the writer began this section of the book with an exhortation to hear and give heed to the words of wisdom that follow. The reason the writer gave the following proverbs introduces the 30 sayings.

“This extended introduction reminds us that the wise sayings were not curiosity pieces; they were revelation, and revelation demands a response.” [Note: Ross, p. 1065. First, there is a call (Proverbs 22:17) followed by three motivations: a pleasing store of wisdom (Proverbs 22:18), a deeper trust in the Lord (Proverbs 22:19), and a greater reliability (Proverbs 22:20-21). [Note: Kidner, p. 149. The Hebrew word translated “excellent things” (Proverbs 22:20; slswm) has also been rendered “heretofore” (RV margin), “triply” (Septuagint, Vulgate), and “30 sayings” (RSV, NIV). Since 30 sayings follow, that seems to be the best option for translation. “Him who sent you” (Proverbs 22:21) is probably the original reader’s teacher, who may have been his father.

“Notwithstanding the difficulties of the text, the general thought of the paragraph is plain: the pupil is to devote himself to study, in order that his religious life may be firmly established, and that he may be able to give wise counsel to those who seek advice.” [Note: Toy, pp. 424-25. “Even the most brilliant moral sayings are powerless without personal application.” [Note: Waltke, The Book . . . 31, p. 223.

Proverbs 22:22-24

B. The 30 Sayings 22:22-24:22 Waltke titled the first 10 sayings “a Decalogue of sayings about wealth.” [Note: Ibid., p. 225.

Proverbs 22:24-25

The influence of a hothead can prove detrimental (cf. Proverbs 1:10-19; Proverbs 14:17; Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 15:1).

Proverbs 22:26-27

Solomon previously warned of the folly of making promises to cover the debts of others (Proverbs 6:1-5; Proverbs 11:15; Proverbs 17:18; Proverbs 20:16). This is a good way to lose what one has.

Proverbs 22:28

Moving boundaries in fields, usually marked by stone pillars or piles of stones (cairns), resulted in individuals losing and gaining property and wealth. In Israel, this was also a sin against God, since God owned and apportioned all the land (cf. Deuteronomy 19:14; Deuteronomy 27:17; Job 24:2). The warning is against appropriating someone else’s property, not disrespecting historical markers. “Probably the boundary stone was moved annually only about an inconspicuous half-inch, which in time could add up to a sizeable land grab.” [Note: Ibid., p. 235.

Proverbs 22:29

The quality of a person’s work, not his bribes or flattery, will ultimately determine how his career progresses. Therefore a person should seek to improve his or her skills. “Anyone who puts his workmanship before his prospects towers above the thrusters and climbers of the adjacent paragraphs.” [Note: Kidner, p. 150.