Proverbs 22:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: That your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today, even to you.

NIV: So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you.

NASB: So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have taught you today, you indeed.

CSB: I have instructed you today—even you— so that your confidence may be in the Lord.

NLT: I am teaching you today — yes, you — so you will trust in the Lord.

KJV: That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

NKJV: So that your trust may be in the Lord; I have instructed you today, even you.

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."

Proverbs 22:17–21 presents an appeal to listen to further collected wisdom. This introduces the next section using the phrase "the words of the wise." Solomon urges his audience to hear and apply them. In contrast to the preceding comments, these proverbs are longer and more interconnected.

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.