Proverbs 22:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail.

NIV: Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.

NASB: One who sows injustice will reap disaster, And the rod of his fury will perish.

CSB: The one who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

NLT: Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end.

KJV: He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

NKJV: He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, And the rod of his anger will fail.

Solomon was not only Israel's king, but he was also her judge. He put immense value into justice and righteousness in legal matters (Proverbs 1:1–7; 16:10; 21:3, 7). Those who take advantage of others, denying them justice, will eventually pay a steep price. No one can rebel against God without reaping a harvest of judgment. Galatians 6:7 indicates that a person will reap whatever he sows. If he sows wild oats, God will get out his threshing machine. A judge or ruler who participates in injustice can expect severe consequences (Proverbs 6:16–19; 16:8).

In Hosea 10:13–14 the Lord predicted trouble for rebellious Israel. He states: "You have plowed iniquity; you have reaped injustice; you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your own way and in the multitude of your warriors, therefore the tumult of war shall arise among your people, and all your fortresses shall be destroyed."

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.

Accessed 5/4/2024 11:04:59 PM