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More Proverbs commentaries
Proverbs 19:1-12
Wealth Makes Many Friends
Proverbs 19:13-19
Chasten your son while there is hope
Proverbs 19:20-29
Judgments are prepared for scoffers
Proverbs 20:1-5
Wine is a Mocker
Proverbs 20:6-10
Who Can Find a Faithful Man?
Proverbs 20:11-20
A Child Is Known By His Deeds
Proverbs 20:21-30
Blows That Hurt Cleanse Away Evil
Proverbs 21:1-10
A Contentious Wife Makes Life Miserable
Proverbs 21:11-21
A Wise Person Stores Food Like an Ant
Proverbs 21:22-31
Wisdom Gives Strength and Security
Proverbs 22:1-11
Train a Child Right and He Will Not Depart From It
Proverbs 22:12-21
Sayings of the Wise
Proverbs 22:22-29
The Problem of Co-signing for Someone
Proverbs 23:1-11
Trying to Teach a Fool is Useless
Proverbs 23:12-23
A Wise Child Will Hear His Parents Instruction
Proverbs 23:24-35
Drunkenness Leads to All Kinds of Problems
Proverbs 24:1-10
What is in Your Heart Comes Out in Your Talk
Proverbs 24:11-22
Rejoicing for the Wrong Reasons
Proverbs 24:23-34
Priorities in Establishing a Home
Proverbs 25:1-10
Tell a Person His Fault Alone
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Sayings of the Wise
Proverbs 22:12–21
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
A mother sent her child to pick a quart of raspberries. Reluctantly he dragged himself to the berry patch. His afternoon was ruined for sure. Then a thought hit him. He would surprise his mother and pick two quarts of raspberries instead of one. Rather than drudgery his work now … More
To be wise is to be under God’s “seeing eyes” of protection (v. 12). To be unwise and treacherous, even in what one says, is to be on a path that will end in frustration. The lazy person has all kinds of excuses for not wanting to work (v. 13). When no dangers or difficulties exist he imagines them; and where they really do exist he exaggerates them to such a degree that they seem to be insurmountable. It is also easy for a lazy person, with lots of time on his hands, to fall into immorality (v. 14).
The word “foolishness” actually means stubbornness (v. 15). Discipline will help to expel that kind of attitude. The rod which is a spanking is necessary to correct this type of attitude and if not used will result in rebellion and very serious problems in the future. “The rod” applied firmly and in love will ensure the child’s proper moral development.
To try to accumulate wealth by taking advantage of the poor will eventually bring such a man to poverty (v. 16). Also the person who tries to obtain favor by giving gifts to the rich will come upon bad times. For a time he may seem to prosper; but his end will verify the truth of God’s word. The exhortation given is to pay attention, listen and apply this teaching to your heart (v. 17). It is God Himself who is mapping out the way in which His children should walk. Reasons given for the exhortations are given (vv. 18-19. Memorize and be able to quote them because they will encourage people to trust in the Lord. The main reason this counsel is given is so the learner can give reliable answers (vv. 20-21).
Application
It is so easy to be a hearer and not a doer. How many times has God spoken to me in a message and I failed to do anything about it? I constantly need to be looking for ways that I can put into practice the things that God is challenging me with..
Proverbs 22:12-21 (English Standard Version)
The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the traitor. The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!" The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit; he with whom the LORD is angry will fall into it. Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty. Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. That your trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to you today, even to you. Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge, to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
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