Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22 continues the collection of wise sayings from Solomon, emphasizing the importance of reputation, humility, discipline, and justice. It underscores the long-term impact of one's actions and choices on character, social standing, and spiritual growth. The chapter provides guidance on raising children, managing finances, and navigating social relationships, offering practical wisdom for everyday life.

Proverbs 22:1 (NKJV)
1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

Having a good reputation is more valuable than wealth. Material riches can be gained or lost, but a good name reflects one's character and integrity. Earning favor through righteous living is worth more than accumulating silver or gold because the respect and trust of others last longer than material wealth.

Proverbs 22:2 (NKJV)
2 The rich and the poor have this in common,
The Lord is the maker of them all.

Regardless of social status or financial standing, everyone shares the same Creator. This verse serves as a reminder that God sees all people equally and that wealth does not define a person’s true value. It also emphasizes the need for humility and respect toward all, knowing we are all God’s creation.

Proverbs 22:3 (NKJV)
3 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself,
But the simple pass on and are punished.

A wise person anticipates danger and takes action to avoid it, whereas a foolish or naive person fails to see the risk and suffers the consequences. This proverb teaches the importance of being cautious, discerning, and prepared for challenges, rather than walking blindly into trouble.

Proverbs 22:4 (NKJV)
4 By humility and the fear of the Lord
Are riches and honor and life.

True wealth, honor, and a fulfilling life come from humility and reverence for God. Rather than chasing after worldly success, this verse encourages a heart posture of humility before God, which leads to spiritual and material blessings. It highlights the eternal value of fearing God over pursuing temporary gains.

Proverbs 22:5 (NKJV)
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;
He who guards his soul will be far from them.

The path of the wicked is filled with obstacles, harm, and consequences. Those who choose evil face traps and difficulties that can entangle them. On the other hand, those who carefully guard their souls by living righteously will avoid these dangers and protect their spiritual well-being.

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)
6 Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Early education and moral instruction have a lasting impact on a child’s life. Guiding a child according to God’s ways sets a strong foundation that will carry them through adulthood. This verse stresses the importance of instilling godly values from a young age, ensuring that these principles endure throughout their life.

Proverbs 22:7 (NKJV)
7 The rich rules over the poor,
And the borrower is servant to the lender.

Those with wealth often have control over the poor, and debt creates a form of bondage. This verse warns against the dangers of borrowing, as it places the borrower in a position of subservience to the lender. Financial independence is encouraged, along with wisdom in managing one’s resources.

Proverbs 22:8 (NKJV)
8 He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow,
And the rod of his anger will fail.

Those who plant seeds of wrongdoing or live unjustly will ultimately face sorrow and failure. Actions rooted in sin lead to negative outcomes. The verse also suggests that anger and hostility will not succeed in the long term, as they bring destruction rather than lasting success.

Proverbs 22:9 (NKJV)
9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed,
For he gives of his bread to the poor.

Generosity brings blessings. A person who is compassionate and willing to share with those in need will receive favor from God. This verse encourages acts of kindness and reminds us that giving to the poor is a source of spiritual and material blessings.

Proverbs 22:10 (NKJV)
10 Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave;
Yes, strife and reproach will cease.

Removing a person who mocks or causes discord will lead to peace. Scoffers are often the source of conflict, and by distancing oneself from such individuals, strife and shameful behavior will diminish. This proverb highlights the importance of maintaining harmony by dealing with divisive people.

Proverbs 22:11 (NKJV)
11 He who loves purity of heart
And has grace on his lips,
The king will be his friend.

A person with a pure heart and gracious speech earns the favor of those in authority, including kings. This verse shows that integrity and kind words open doors to important relationships and high regard, as leaders value those with sincerity and wisdom in their speech.

Proverbs 22:12 (NKJV)
12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge,
But He overthrows the words of the faithless.

God watches over and sustains wisdom and truth. Those who live faithfully and uphold knowledge are protected by God, while those who speak deceitfully will have their lies exposed and overturned. This proverb assures that God's justice will prevail over falsehood.

Proverbs 22:13 (NKJV)
13 The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside!
I shall be slain in the streets!”

Laziness is often justified by irrational excuses. The lazy person invents dangers to avoid responsibility, using fear as a reason to avoid work. This verse highlights the absurdity of such excuses and the self-deception that comes with laziness.

Proverbs 22:14 (NKJV)
14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit;
He who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there.

The words and seduction of an immoral woman lead to destruction, likened to a deep pit that is difficult to escape. Those who fall into immorality and temptation are often those who have distanced themselves from God’s favor, showing that straying from righteousness leads to dire consequences.

Proverbs 22:15 (NKJV)
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
The rod of correction will drive it far from him.

Children naturally possess foolishness, but proper discipline can guide them toward wisdom. Correction, including physical discipline when appropriate, helps remove foolish behavior. This verse emphasizes the need for parental guidance to nurture wise and responsible individuals.

Proverbs 22:16 (NKJV)
16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches,
And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.

Those who exploit the poor for personal gain or seek favor by giving to the wealthy will ultimately face ruin. This verse teaches that unjust practices, whether by oppressing the poor or currying favor with the rich, lead to poverty rather than prosperity.

Proverbs 22:17-19 (NKJV)
17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your heart to my knowledge;
18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you;
Let them all be fixed upon your lips,
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord;
I have instructed you today, even you.

This passage encourages attentiveness to wisdom and applying it to one’s life. It highlights the value of internalizing wise teachings, keeping them at the forefront of one’s speech and actions. By doing so, one places their trust in God, knowing that wisdom and knowledge are from Him. Wisdom leads to a life grounded in trust and dependence on the Lord.

Proverbs 22:20-21 (NKJV)
20 Have I not written to you excellent things
Of counsels and knowledge,
21 That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth,
That you may answer words of truth
To those who send to you?

Solomon reminds the reader that the wisdom imparted in these proverbs is reliable and true. These teachings equip the listener to provide truthful, wise answers when questioned or tested by others. This verse underscores the role of wisdom in guiding one’s responses and maintaining integrity in communication.

Proverbs 22:22-23 (NKJV)
22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor,
Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;
23 For the Lord will plead their cause,
And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.

The poor and vulnerable are often mistreated, but this passage warns against exploiting them due to their powerlessness. God Himself defends the oppressed and will bring justice to those who exploit the weak. It’s a reminder that God watches over the marginalized, and those who oppress them will face divine retribution.

Proverbs 22:24-25 (NKJV)
24 Make no friendship with an angry man,
And with a furious man do not go,
25 Lest you learn his ways
And set a snare for your soul.

This proverb advises avoiding close associations with people prone to anger and fury, as their behavior is contagious and can influence others. Being around such individuals can lead to harmful consequences for one's character and well-being. It highlights the importance of choosing one's companions wisely to avoid being trapped by bad habits or behavior.

Proverbs 22:26-27 (NKJV)
26 Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge,
One of those who is surety for debts;
27 If you have nothing with which to pay,
Why should he take away your bed from under you?

This verse cautions against guaranteeing someone else’s debts, especially when one cannot afford to do so. By becoming a surety for another’s obligations, you risk losing your own possessions, even basic necessities like your bed. It advises financial responsibility and wisdom in making commitments that could jeopardize your security.

Proverbs 22:28 (NKJV)
28 Do not remove the ancient landmark
Which your fathers have set.

Ancient landmarks were boundary markers for land, and removing them was a form of theft. This proverb warns against tampering with established boundaries, whether in literal land or moral and social standards. Respecting the boundaries set by previous generations is essential for maintaining justice and order.

Proverbs 22:29 (NKJV)
29 Do you see a man who excels in his work?
He will stand before kings;
He will not stand before unknown men.

A person who is skilled and diligent in their work will gain recognition and opportunities to serve before influential people, such as kings. This verse highlights the value of hard work, excellence, and dedication, which lead to advancement and honor. It teaches that consistent effort and skill open doors to greater success.