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Scripture Mapping

Proverbs 22

World English Bible

WEB

1A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold. 2The rich and the poor have this in common: Yahweh is the maker of them all. 3A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it. 4The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life. 5Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked; whoever guards his soul stays far from them. 6Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. 7The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender. 8He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. 9He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. 10Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop. 11He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully is the king’s friend. 12Yahweh’s eyes watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful. 13The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!” 14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit. He who is under Yahweh’s wrath will fall into it. 15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him. 16Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, both come to poverty. 17Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching. 18For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. 19I teach you today, even you, so that your trust may be in Yahweh. 20Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge, 21To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you? 22Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court; 23for Yahweh will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them. 24Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man. Don’t associate with one who harbors anger, 25lest you learn his ways and ensnare your soul. 26Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts. 27If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you? 28Don’t move the ancient boundary stone which your fathers have set up. 29Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won’t serve obscure men.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Proverbs Chapter 22 presents a collection of wise sayings that emphasize the importance of a good name, the value of wisdom, and the consequences of one's actions. The chapter begins with the assertion that a good name is more desirable than great riches, highlighting the significance of character and reputation in the eyes of God and man (#Proverbs 22:1). This sets the tone for the chapter, which encourages readers to pursue righteousness and integrity as foundational elements of a fulfilling life. The wise are reminded that their choices can lead to blessings, while the foolish may face ruin (#Proverbs 22:4-5).

The chapter also addresses the importance of teaching children the ways of the Lord, as it states, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it" (#Proverbs 22:6). This verse underscores the responsibility of parents and guardians to instill godly values in the next generation. Additionally, the chapter warns against the dangers of debt and the pitfalls of associating with the wicked, reminding us that our associations and financial decisions can have lasting impacts on our lives (#Proverbs 22:7, #Proverbs 22:24-25). Overall, Proverbs 22 serves as a guide for living wisely and righteously, encouraging believers to seek God's wisdom in all aspects of life.

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Referenced by

  1. Psalms 127:4v6Psalm 127:4 compares children to arrows in the hands of a warrior, emphasizing their potential and direction, similar to Proverbs 22:6, which advises training a child in the way they should go.
  2. Proverbs 26:13v13Proverbs 26:13 describes the sluggard making excuses to avoid work, similar to Proverbs 22:13, which also depicts the sluggard's irrational fear as a reason to avoid responsibility.
  3. Ecclesiastes 7:1v1Both passages emphasize the value of a good name over material wealth, highlighting the importance of character and reputation.

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