22:4The general observation that fear of the LORD leads to riches, honor, and long life would have been especially applicable to an obedient Israelite living in Solomon's God-fearing kingdom. Nevertheless some have been martyrs at a young age, and some have given away all their wealth for the sake of God’s Kingdom. The book of Proverbs describes life the way it should be. It does not dwell on the exceptions. (For more on this concept, see the note on 3:16, 17.)
Life Application Study BibleProverbsChapter 22
Proverbs 22
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 1041, 1042, 1043
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
22Proverbs 22
1being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. 2The rich and poor have this in common: The LORD made them both. 3A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. 4True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life. 5Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it.
6Direct your children onto the right path,and when they are older, they will not leave it.
7Just as the rich rule the poor,so the borrower is servant to the lender.
8Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster,and their reign of terror will come to an end.*
9Blessed are those who are generous,because they feed the poor.
10Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too.Quarrels and insults will disappear.
11Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speechwill have the king as a friend.
12The LORD preserves those with knowledge,but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.
13The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there!If I go outside, I might be killed!”
14The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap;those who make the LORD angry will fall into it.
15A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness,but physical discipline will drive it far away.
16A person who gets ahead by oppressing the pooror by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.Sayings of the Wise
17Listen to the words of the wise;apply your heart to my instruction.
18For it is good to keep these sayings in your heartand always ready on your lips.
19Tam teaching you today—yes, you—so you will trust in the LORD.20 have written thirty sayings* for you,filled with advice and knowledge.
21In this way, you may know the truthand take an accurate report to those who sent you.
22Don't rob the poor just because you can,or exploit the needy in court.
23For the LORD is their defender.He will ruin anyone who ruins them.
24Don’t befriend angry peopleor associate with hot-tempered people,25 or you will learn to be like themand endanger your soul.22:8 The Greek version includes an additional proverb: God blesses a man who gives cheerfully, / but his worthlessdeeds will come to an end. Compare 2 Cor 9:7. 22:20 Or excellent sayings; the meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
26Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debtor put up security for someone else.
27If you can't pay it,even your bed will be snatched from under you.
28Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markersset up by previous generations.28 Do you see any truly competent workers?They will serve kingsrather than working for ordinary people.2 3 1While dining with a ruler,
Life Application Notes 10 notes
22:6In the process of helping our children choose the right path, we must discern differing paths for each child. It is natural to want to bring up all our children alike or train them the same way. This verse implies that parents should discern the individuality and special strengths that God has given each one. While we Should not condone or excuse self-will, each child has natural inclinations that parents can develop. By talking to teachers, other parents, and grandparents, we can better discern and develop the individual capabilities of each child.
22:6Many parents want to make all the choices for their child, but this hurts him or her in the fong run. When parents teach a child how to make decisions, they don’t have to watch every step he or she takes. They know their children will remain on the right path because they have made the choice themselves. Train your children to choose the right way.
22:7Does this mean we should never borrow? No, but it warns us never to take on a loan without carefully examining our ability to repay it. A loan we can handle is enabling; a loan we can't handle is enslaving. The borrower must realize that unti! the loan is repaid, he is a servant to the individual or institution that made it.
22:12“Knowledge” refers to those who have knowledge, those who live right and speak the truth. It takes discipline, determination, and hard work to live God’s way, but God protects and rewards those who make the commitment to follow him. The unfaithful may seem to have an easier time of it, but in the long run their plans fail and their lives amount to nothing. Don’t resist God and expect lasting success.
22:13This proverb refers to an excuse a lazy person might use to avoid going to work. The excuse sounds silly to us, but that’s often how our excuses sound to others. Don’t rationalize laziness. Take your responsibilities seriously and get to work.
22:15Young children often do foolish and dangerous things simply because they don’t understand the consequences. Wisdom and common sense are not transferred by a parent’s good example alone. Just as God trains and corrects us to make us better, so parents must discipline their children to help them learn the difference between right and wrong. To see how God corrects us, read 3:11, 12.
22:22,23This proverb is a message of hope to people who must live and work under unjust authoritarian leaders. It is also a warning to those who enjoy ruling with an iron hand. Sometimes God intervenes and directly destroys tyrants. More often, he uses other rulers to overthrow them or their own oppressed people to rebel against them. If you are in a position of authority at church, work, or home, remember what happens to tyrants. Leadership through kindness is more effective and longer lasting than leadership by force.
22:24,25People tend to become like those with whom they spend a lot of time. Even the negative characteristics and habits can rub off. The Bible exhorts us to be cautious in our choice of companions. Choase people with qualities you would like to develop in your own life.
22:28In Joshua 13-21, the land was divided, and the boundaries were marked out for each tribe. Moses had already warned the people that when they reached the Promised Land they shouldn’t cheat their neighbors by moving any of the boundary markers to give themselves more land and their neighbors less (Deuteronomy 19:14; 27:17).