Proverbs 22 Study Notes

22:1 A person’s name is his character in life (21:24) and the way he is remembered after death (10:7). Favor is respect from people and grace from God, a benefit of wisdom (3:1-4).

22:2 To have this in common is literally “meet” or “intersect” (cp. 29:13). There is no class structure in God’s eyes (Jb 34:19; Mt 5:45; Rm 10:12; Gl 3:28; Col 3:11).

22:3 On sensible, see “shrewdness” in note at 1:4. The punishment here is literally a “fine” or “penalty” (17:26; 19:19), which implies financial consequences for remaining inexperienced (see note at 1:4; cp. 8:5; 9:6).

22:4 What keeps the fool and the mocker from godliness and wisdom and its benefits is pride (see 1:7,22).

22:5 These are large thorns—big enough to drag prisoners with (Am 4:2; cp. Jb 5:5). On snares, see note at 7:23.

22:6 Start is literally to “dedicate” something, such as a building—to have a celebration commemorating the first time it is put to its intended use (Dt 20:5; 1Kg 8:63). Here, the youth is consecrated to a life of godly wisdom (4:11). Youth typically refers to preteen to late-teen years. The Hebrew words translated on his way speak of orienting the initiation to fit the challenges of young people. Youth are known for foolishness and lack of discretion or sense (v. 15; 1:4; 7:7); left to themselves, they fall into disgrace (29:15,21). Thus, if a youth is initiated in a manner that is appropriate to his age (1:4; 23:13), it is likely to stick with him. However, this is not a promise, and it does not make the teacher responsible for the student (Ezk 18:20).

22:7 A borrower ends up no better off than an oppressed poor person.

22:8 God will avenge the arrogant use of power.

22:9 A generous person is literally “the good of eye”; the opposite is the “evil eye” of the “stingy” or “greedy” person (23:6; 28:22).

22:10 On mocker, see note at 1:22.

22:11 A good king is a friend of those who value genuine, godly purity (Ps 51:10) and elegant speech.

22:12 God overthrows (see “undermines” in note at 13:6) those who teach treachery (see note at 2:20-22).

22:13 This is a preposterous excuse.

22:14 The forbidden woman lures men with her words (see note at 2:16-17; cp. 7:21; 23:27-28; Jr 18:22). To be cursed by God is to experience his indignation (Ezk 22:31). The wicked will realize they are cursed when they fall (Ps 81:11-12; Rm 1:24-28).

22:15 Bound means both “tied to” and voluntarily “wrapped up” (Gn 44:30). Foolishness (from Hb ’ewiyl) is an innate quality that youth cling to (Gn 8:21; Ps 51:5). On rod, see note at 13:24.

22:16 The person who gives to the rich likely has ulterior motives (Lk 14:12).

22:17-21 This passage introduces a collection of proverbs that runs through 24:22. This is also the first of the thirty sayings. On words of the wise, see note at 1:6. These sayings were also probably Solomon’s (10:1). There are three motivations given for gaining wisdom, two practical and one theological: to be pleasing, to have confidence . . . in the Lord, and to be dependable when commissioned (v. 21; cp. 10:26; 25:13). True words promote justice. Dependable report translates the same Hebrew words as reliable words.

22:22-23 The city gate was where legal proceedings took place (24:7). God is like the ultimate defense attorney (23:11; Ps 43:1; 119:154; Jr 50:34; Mc 7:9; 1Jn 2:1). Since God is also Judge, the accuser cannot prevail (Rv 12:10).

22:24-25 A hot-tempered one is constantly in trouble (15:18; 19:19; 29:22); his companion could get trapped (12:13; 18:7; 29:6).

22:26-27 On security for loans, see note at 6:1-2.

22:28 On boundary marker, see note at 23:10-11.

22:29 The wise learn from what they see (24:32). To be skilled is to be experienced, learned, efficient, and accurate in one’s vocation (Ezr 7:6; Ps 45:1; “quick” in Is 16:5). To stand in a ruler’s presence is to offer oneself to be recognized or commissioned (Ex 8:20; Dt 31:14; Jb 1:6; Zch 6:5).