For a complete audio file, click here.
We close our section of individual sayings, or “proverbs proper” with Proverbs 22.
v. 1 – is the final bookend that answers a question proposed at 21:20-21 where we learn that a good name is to be treasured above riches.
vv. 2-5 – have a chiastic structure emphasizing the Lord and riches and the foolish and poverty.
v. 6 – Our verse detailing the importance of caring for the outcome of those closest to us – our children. Those closest to us should have the greatest benefit of our pursuing wisdom; especially those God has entrusted to our care – our children. Proverbs is a practical model of Deuteronomy 6 which encourages fathers and mothers to teach their children the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The point of this proverb is to show our children Wisdom’s Pathway and walk with them hand in hand leading them as they encounter the pitfalls and joys along the pathway. Our study of the Proverbs gives us road markers of the way we are to train our children to go.
vv.7-9 – we encounter the rich lender and the poor borrower.
v. 10-11 – contrast the scoffer and the pure of heart.
v.12 – Why apply our ways to wisdom? The Lord watches over knowledge and overthrows a traitor.
v. 13 – Fear is no excuse for laziness.
v. 14 – We are reminded of the deep pit of death the forbidden woman provides.
v. 15 – A companion of verse 6, this verse gives the reason we should train up a child. Notice the context, verse 16 – we should care for others.
vv.17-21 – Begins 30 wise sayings that will tell us what it takes to trust in the Lord. These wise sayings will stretch from 22:22- 24:22. Trusting the Lord is at the heart of the Proverbs.
vv.22-23 – Saying one: Our reason for not robbing the poor is on account of the justice of the Lord. He sees, he knows.
vv. 24-25 – Saying two: Befriending an individual with anger issues will only lead to your foot being ensnared.
vv. 26-27 – Saying three: Encourages us to not live beyond our means.
v. 28 – Saying four: Reminds us not to take down fences unless you know why it was set up.
v. 29 – Saying five: Gives us a perspective to pursue skilled work. The skilled worker stands before kings!
What a better excuse for our work, as Christians, to remember we seek an audience with the King of Kings. These Proverbs are encouraging us to present our best to him.