Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 22

Verses 1-16

Here we reach the first collection of what were supposed to be Solomon’s proverbs. Most of them consist of two lines parallel to each other. The parallelism is one of contrast, or agreement, or explanation, or of different persons and objects. It is impossible to trace any principle underlying the order in which the proverbs stand. Several of them are more or less exactly repeated in Proverbs 25-29.

Verses 1-16

1. To be regarded with favour is better than silver and gold. This v. is inscribed in large letters on the walls of Manchester Exchange. Rabbi Simeon used to say: ’There are only three crowns; the crown of the Law, the crown of priesthood, and the crown of kingdom; but the crown of a good name excels them all.’

2. ’A man’s a man for a’ that.’

6. ’As the twig is bent so the tree’s inclined.’ In the way he should go] i.e. according to the position and. work to which he is destined.

8. The rod, etc.] i.e. the power of his tyranny shall vanish.

12. Read, ’The eyes of the Lord are in him that keepeth knowledge.’

Verses 17-29

These proverbs are very unlike the preceding in tone, and style. The author’s own personality is brought distinctly into view (Proverbs 22:17-21; Proverbs 23:15); he had a high opinion of the value of his maxims; he arranges them in strophes, not in couplets.

18. Fitted] RV ’established together,’ i.e. ready (1 Peter 3:15).

20. For excellent things RM suggests ’heretofore.’ Perhaps we should read ’triply’: cp. Hosea 8:12 RV.

21. RM ’Them that send thee,’ i.e. his parents. Perhaps it ought to be, ’them that ask thee’ (1 Peter 3:15).

27. If the debtor has failed to meet his obligation and the unlucky surety has no money, the creditors will seize the poor man’s scanty belongings, even to his bed.

28. Landmarks were of extreme importance when there were no fences: see on Ruth 2:22.

29. Stand before] i.e. serve (1 Samuel 16:21; 1 Kings 10:8).