Proverbs 22:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the traitor.

NIV: The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

NASB: The eyes of the Lord protect knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the treacherous person.

CSB: The Lord’s eyes keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the treacherous.

NLT: The Lord preserves those with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.

KJV: The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

NKJV: The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the faithless.

Other proverbs point out that following God's truth, in wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 8:34–36), gives a person better likelihood of success. Those who follows what is true and good are much less likely to experience the disasters invited by foolishness and sin. In that sense, God's protective power is expressed through truth and knowledge. A person who is dishonest or deceptive, however, is acting directly contrary to those principles. As God is a God of truth (John 16:13), only that which is true will last, while lies will eventually be found out (1 Corinthians 3:13; Matthew 12:36; Luke 12:2).

This does not mean God guarantees perfect protection to truth seekers. Sometimes, God even permits challenging situations to prove the genuineness of the believer's faith and to strengthen their character. James writes: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2–4).

In the previous verse Solomon commended gracious words (Proverbs 22:11), but here he reiterates that the Lord despises deceitful, dishonest things. Words can either build up the hearers or hurt them. Colossians 4:6 exhorts believers: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Proverbs 22:1–16 dispenses practical advice about gaining a good reputation, avoiding danger, setting children on a good path, finances, pure living, and the Lord's watchfulness and judgment. These verses also speak on the absurdity of laziness, the danger of evil words, and the sin of oppressing the poor. This completes an extensive list of wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1) attributed to Solomon.

This chapter completes a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). He notes that reputation and godliness are far better than money. He also notes that godly wisdom keeps a person from various dangers. Loving parents use proper discipline to instill wisdom in their children. The last portion of the chapter introduces a new passage, made up of thirty wise teachings which Solomon endorses. This string of advice continues into chapter 24.

This chapter is the last of the second division of the book, including all of chapters 10—21. This section includes some 375 verses, mostly in paired lines. Chapter 22 completes these statements, then introduces a collection of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon. The first five are negative commands, warning to avoid certain vices. Chapter 23 continues with more sayings of advice.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.