Proverbs 24:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for disaster will arise suddenly from them, and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?

NIV: for those two will send sudden destruction on them, and who knows what calamities they can bring?

NASB: For their disaster will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin that can come from both of them?

CSB: for destruction will come suddenly from them; who knows what distress these two can bring?

NLT: for disaster will hit them suddenly. Who knows what punishment will come from the Lord and the king?

KJV: For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

NKJV: For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin those two can bring?

Scripture acknowledges that evil people do not always experience justice in this life. In fact, at times, it can seem as if immoral people benefit from their choices (Psalm 73:2–3; Proverbs 24:1–2). Yet the Bible reminds us that rejecting godly wisdom brings great risks in this life (Proverbs 8:32–36) and damnation in eternity (Proverbs 10:24; 11:23). When such consequences occur, they can come abruptly, as noted in this verse.

The term translated "ruin" does not appear often in the Old Testament; it is seen only in this verse and several times in the book of Job. The word implies piercing: suggesting an especially damaging, sudden, painful experience. Other verses suggest this idea while using alternative terms (Proverbs 6:15; 29:1; 1 Corinthians 10:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:3). In most cases, those who reject God's law suffer the natural consequences of those choices. They also often experience punishment from human government (Romans 13:1–5). Just when someone thinks they've "gotten away with it," disaster strikes. The worst such experience is when the person dies and finds themselves judged by God for their sin (Proverbs 11:4; Revelation 20:11–15).

This concludes the thirty wise sayings which Solomon endorsed (Proverbs 22:17–21) but did not necessarily write himself.

Proverbs 24:13–22 gives practical advice to Solomon's son, or student. This passage includes the last five of thirty wise teachings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). Godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) is something to be savored and enjoyed. A wise person is not violent nor predatory; he does not gloat over a defeated enemy. The reader is again reminded not to be jealous or fearful of evil people, as they are subject to God's judgment.

Solomon continues to list wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21), rounding out his promised list of thirty teachings. These endorse integrity, accepting good advice, reputation, and ethical actions. The lessons also stress godly attitudes about vengeance, bitterness, and companionship. After verse 23 come additional proverbs. These may or may not have been Solomon's own words, but at least some appear to be his thoughts. Key points in these verses are the need for impartiality in judgment, godly reputation, and work ethic.

This chapter continues thirty sayings of wise people (Proverbs 22:17–21), as collected and endorsed by Solomon. The remainder of the passage are additional wise statements, which are not as clearly attributed. Some of the lessons are framed as warnings, followed by reasons. The lessons contained here are more detailed than most of the proverbs in this book.

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.