Proverbs 22:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge,

NIV: Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,

NASB: Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge,

CSB: Haven't I written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge,

NLT: I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge.

KJV: Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

NKJV: Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge,

This indicates that what follows are thirty sayings of wisdom. These proverbs offer sound advice. These useful directions for life come from men of knowledge. Part of their purpose is to encourage trust of God (Proverbs 22:19). The other is to lead persons to truth and goodness (Proverbs 22:21).

Those who sincerely seek to apply God's Word and trust in Him can understand God's will and pursue the correct path through life. Proverbs 3:5–6 counsels: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." When the Lord commissioned Joshua to lead the Hebrews into the Promised Land, He told Joshua, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (Joshua 1:8).

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.

Accessed 5/4/2024 4:25:18 AM