What does Proverbs 22:19 mean?

All truth is grounded in God's nature and that of His creation; wisdom begins with acknowledgement of God and respect for His will (Proverbs 1:7; 3:5–6). Solomon's purpose in passing along wisdom is so that his students will rely on God. He intends this to apply to all who read or hear his words. This intent echoes two important themes from Scripture.

First, understanding God's Word creates faith in the Lord. Romans 10:17 declares, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." David writes in Psalm 19 about two ways God has revealed himself to humans: by creation and by His Word. He writes: "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork" (Psalm 19:1), and "the law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul" (Psalm 19:7).

Second, God's Word is meant to be applied by every person, to their own context and their own situations. God's Word is for everyone, and every individual is accountable for his or her response to it. Romans 14:12 says, "So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." And Hebrews 3:15 warns, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."