Proverbs 22

Chap. XXII. Ver. 1—16. Conclusion of the second part of this book.—The second maxim in this chapter contains the true doctrine of equality: “The rich and the poor meet together: the Lord is the Maker of them all.” Creatures, as creatures, are all equal in his sight: and however unequal their character and circumstances in life may be, they are all equal in the grave, and shall stand upon the same principle of equality before his judgment bar: “for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, whether good or bad.” ((2 Corinthians 5:10).) This doctrine cuts up the root of pride. What hath any man that he hath not received? Who shall dare to treat with cruelty and oppression the poor man, at whose side he may stand before the judgment seat of his Maker? Another maxim of great importance, and perhaps more frequently quoted than any other in the book, relates to the great advantage of early education: “Train up a child in the way that he should go.”

The margin says, “Catechise” but the true sense appears to be, initiate, or “train up” in the practice of his duty; and then there is great reason to hope he will form habits of religion and good morals, from which he will not be easily diverted. The word also signifies to dedicate, (as Gesenius observes,) and the solemn dedication of children to God, is a probable means of deeply impressing them with their sense of duty; and furnishes them with an important plea in prayer—“Our fathers trusted in thee,…… and thou didst deliver them.” (Psalms 22:4). Ver. 17—29. A continued discourse on wisdom and prudence.—This, as remarked in our Introduction, commences the third part of the Proverbs; but instead of distinct apothegms, Solomon now addresses his readers as a master his pupils, in a connected series of precepts, to the end of the 24th chapter.

He insists on the pleasantness and certainty of wisdom and truth, which, when adhered to, will encourage trust in God, and create confidence in man. There is, indeed, not much novelty of remark in the few verses before us, except in the 24th verse, which advises his pupils to make “no friendship,” to form no intimacy, with “an angry” or passionate man, lest his manners should become “a snare” to them, and lead them into the same sin and folly. It is, indeed, not easy to calculate the evils which arise from passion, either to the angry man himself, or to the unhappy subjects of his rage. Many and even murder, result from passion upon others. (See (Matthew 5:22).)

Notes on the verses

In proud wrath.—See margin; i.e. in the excess, or outrage of wrath. Ver. 28. But the man that heareth, &c.—The sense is, the false witness (“the witness of lies”) shall be confronted and confounded by the true witnesses, who, having heard to the end, (as the Hebrew implies,) “speaketh conscience [conscious] evidence.” Ver. 4. By humility.—See margin. See Holden and Dr. Ver. 6. Train up a child.—See margin. Heb. “Initiate upon the mouth;” i.e. by the command, namely, of God.—In the way he should go.—Hebrew, “In his way.” So that this clause might read literally, “Initiate a child by the command (of God) in his way.” Ver. 8. The rod of his anger shall fail.—See margin.

So Holden. “The rod (or sceptre) of his anger,” means his assumed authority. Ver. 13. Lion without.—That is, the slothful man uses any pretext, however improbable, to indulge his love of ease and indolence. Bagster.