Almost no one disputes the fact that children are born in ignorance. Important aspects of life must be taught directly so children don't suffer drastic consequences learning by experience. Good parents use careful discipline to prepare children for various dangers and basic needs. Much more controversial is the truth that humanity is born not only uninformed, but morally crooked. This concept is known as a "sin nature." A common joke is that the only people who don't believe children are born with sin in their hearts are those who have never raised a child. Without being taught, a child will display rebellion, selfishness, greed, and so forth.

David confessed, "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me" (Psalm 51:5). Every human being has received a sin nature through the lineage of Adam. Paul writes in Romans 5:12: "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned." In the book of proverbs, "folly" is not merely a lack of sense or information; it also includes moral and spiritual truths. Loving discipline (Proverbs 13:24; 19:18) moves a child from foolishness and death towards wisdom and life (Proverbs 1:7; 8:34–36). This is presented in a context of love and care, not abuse or carelessness. Parents should choose wisely what form of discipline works best with their children, in each moment, and for each individual child. Corporal punishment—a literal "rod"—may not work as well as depriving a child of some privilege or luxury. In whatever way it comes, discipline must not be overbearing. Ephesians 6:4 exhorts: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

Ultimately, the goal of any such discipline is to guide children towards the only real cure for sin and depravity, which is Christ. Being aware of our limitations is part of understanding our need for a Savior.

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.

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