Proverbs 22

1. A [good] name. Lit., “a name”; “good” or “honourable” being implied. This verse is inscribed on the cupola which lights the Manchester Exchange.

loving favour. That is, the goodwill of others.

4. By humility, etc. Rather, “The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah is,” etc. (R.V.), as in Psa. xix. 11.

6. Train up a child, etc. Or, “Initiate a child according to his way”; i.e., begin with him according to his capacity and disposition. In other words, train him suitably. “Old” here is not merely grown-up, but aged.

7 the borrower is servant to the lender. He is obliged to consult his creditor’s will and convenience. This is a warning against contracting debts.

8 vanity. Rather, “calamity,” as R.V.

10. Cast out the scorner. “If in a company, a circle of friends, a society, a man is found who treats religious questions without respect, moral questions in a frivolous way, serious things jestingly, and in his scornful spirit, his passion for criticism, his love of anecdote, places himself above the duty of showing reverence, veneration and respect, there will arise ceaseless contentions and conflicts. Such a man one ought to chase away” (Delitzach).

11. He that loveth, etc. He who unites integrity with courtesy, will be loved and trusted by his sovereign.

12 preserve knowledge. The meaning is (as R.V.), “preserve him that hath knowledge.”

of the transgressor. Or, “of the treacherous man” (R.V.).

13 saith, There is a lion without. Imagining difficulties, and inventing ridiculous excuses for his negligence.

14. He that is abhorred of the Lord. Or, “with whom the Eternal is angry”: cp. Josh. xi. 20, and 1 Sam. ii. 25. It is a sign of God’s righteous anger, when He abandons the sinner to his own lusts.

VER. 17—XXIV. 34. The verses from 17 to 21 form an introduction to the Third main division of this Book. The “proverbs” in this part are, in general, somewhat longer than in the Second division; some of them extending over several verses. As the word “wise” is in the plural, both here and in xxiv. 23, it appears that the proverbs which followed were collected from different sages.

18. They shall withal be fitted, etc. Or, “[if] they be established together upon thy lips”; i.e., if the convictions of the heart find firm and decided utterance.

20. Have not I written to thee, etc.? The present Heb. text reads, “Have not I written to thee heretofore, concerning counsel and knowledge?”

21. That I might make thee know, etc. Or, “To teach thee truth, even words of faithfulness; that thou mayest carry back faithful words to those who send thee”; i.e., perhaps to those who send thee to be instructed.

22 in the gate. That is, by legal process; the law being administered “in the gate”: see note on Gen. xxii. 17.

23. And spoil the soul, etc. Or, “and despoil of life” (R.V.) those that spoil them. The poor may appear to be friendless, but they have the Eternal for their protector: cp. xxiii. 10, 11.

25 get a snare to thy soul. That is, lest thou become like him, and so involve thyself in difficulties.

27. Why should he take away thy bed? See notes on vi. 1; xx. 16; and Exod. xxii. 26, 27.

28. Remove not the ancient landmark. See Deut. xix. 14, and note.

29 shall stand before kings. As their servant or minister. Steady and persevering industry is the true pathway to success.