The Worth of Wisdom and the Paths of Integrity
Proverbs 22:1-29
- What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
#People = The Wise, The Foolish, The Rich, The Poor, The Righteous, The Wicked, Children
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#Obedient faith =
#Sin =
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1A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold.
2The rich and the poor meet together;
the Lord is the Maker of them all.
3The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it.
4The reward for humility and fear of the Lord
is riches and honor and life.a
5Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;
whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
6Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
7The rich rules over the poor,
and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
8Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,
and the rod of his fury will fail.
9Whoever has a bountifulb eye will be blessed,
for he shares his bread with the poor.
10Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,
and quarreling and abuse will cease.
11He who loves purity of heart,
and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
12The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,
but he overthrows the words of the traitor.
13The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
I shall be killed in the streets!”
14The mouth of forbiddenc women is a deep pit;
he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.
15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,
or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.Words of the Wise
17Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
19That your trust may be in the Lord,
I have made them known to you today, even to you.
20Have I not written for you thirty sayings
of counsel and knowledge,
21to make you know what is right and true,
that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
22Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
or crush the afflicted at the gate,
23for the Lord will plead their cause
and rob of life those who rob them.
24Make no friendship with a man given to anger,
nor go with a wrathful man,
25lest you learn his ways
and entangle yourself in a snare.
26Be not one of those who give pledges,
who put up security for debts.
27If you have nothing with which to pay,
why should your bed be taken from under you?
28Do not move the ancient landmark
that your fathers have set.
29Do you see a man skillful in his work?
He will stand before kings;
he will not stand before obscure men.
and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
19That your trust may be in the Lord,
I have made them known to you today, even to you.
20Have I not written for you thirty sayings
of counsel and knowledge,
21to make you know what is right and true,
that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
or crush the afflicted at the gate,
23for the Lord will plead their cause
and rob of life those who rob them.
24Make no friendship with a man given to anger,
nor go with a wrathful man,
25lest you learn his ways
and entangle yourself in a snare.
26Be not one of those who give pledges,
who put up security for debts.
27If you have nothing with which to pay,
why should your bed be taken from under you?
28Do not move the ancient landmark
that your fathers have set.
29Do you see a man skillful in his work?
He will stand before kings;
he will not stand before obscure men.
- A GOOD NAME (22:1): A good reputation is better than silver or gold.
- SOME GENERAL GUIDANCE (22:2–16): The Lord made all of us, and we all have the choice to do right.
- SOME GOOD ADVICE (22:17–29): The wise will heed these sayings as they trust in the Lord.
Proverbs 22 contains 31 proverbial sayings that offer wisdom on various aspects of life. It emphasizes the value of integrity, the importance of discipline, and the blessings of righteousness.
Key Themes
The main themes of Proverbs 22 include:
- The value of wisdom and understanding
- Wealth and poverty
- Righteousness vs. wickedness
- Discipline and guidance
- Integrity and honesty
Structure
The chapter is divided into three main sections:
- Verses 1-9 focus on the value of integrity and kindness
- Verses 10-16 discuss guidance and discipline
- Verses 17-29 emphasize paying attention to wisdom
Key Teachings
Some of the most important teachings in Proverbs 22 include:
- The value of having a good name over wealth (verses 1-2)
- The importance of training children in the right way (verse 6)
- The dangers of borrowing money and laziness (verses 7, 26-27)
- The blessings of generosity towards the poor (verse 9)
- The consequences of oppressing the poor or giving gifts to the rich (verses 16, 23)
- The importance of listening to and applying wisdom (verses 17-19)
Practical Applications
Proverbs 22 offers practical wisdom for daily life, including:
- Applying the principle of valuing a good name over wealth
- Demonstrating generosity to the poor
- Avoiding debt and laziness
- Practically implementing guidance for children
- Applying fairness and justice in interactions with others
- Honoring traditional wisdom and advice of elders
Conclusion
Proverbs 22 provides timeless wisdom about integrity, discipline, and righteousness. It reminds readers that our actions affect not only ourselves but also those around us. By applying the principles taught in this chapter, individuals can live more righteous and fulfilling lives.
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- How can a good name be more valuable than riches?
- How should we view the rich and poor (vv. 2, 7, 9, 16)? What do they have in common? How do they differ? How might they depend on each other? Who does God bless and why?
- What distinguishes the "wicked," the "simple," the "mocker." the "sluggard" and "adulteress" from the "prudent" and "pure in heart"?
- What child-rearing principle and promise do you see in verses 6 and 15? Does this general rule offer an absolute guarantee? What about the child's freedom to choose, despite perfect parenting?
- What do these "sayings of the wise" sound like: Empathy? Game rules? Parent talk? Candid confessions?
- Why do they strike you that way: Tone? Context? Or what?
- Toward what end is this instruction in wisdom given (vv. 17-21)? What three-step process gets you there? By whom is one held accountable for this?
- What is the wise course of action concerning the poor and needy? Your friends and associates? Your vows and debts?
- What do verses 28-29 say about getting ahead honestly?
- What have you done (or could you do) to make or unmake a "good name" for yourself, your family, or your profession?
- Someone has said of verse 6 and related texts: "You can't raise a Christian, only sinners exposed to the Gospel." And... "Before, I had three sure-fire child-rearing principles, but no kids; now I have three kids but no sure-fire principles." What do such statements assume about human nature? Sin? Parenting? God's grace? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
- What kind of child to your Heavenly Father have you proven to be? Whose faith do you have now? Your own? Your parents? No faith at all? Why?
- Verse 13 smacks of "Excuses, Excuses”. How do you procrastinate in your relationship with God? How can your group help you?
- Where are you in the 3-step process of verses 17-21? How prepared are you to "give sound answers"?
- What works for you in handling an angry associate or roommate? What does this chapter suggest (v. 24)?
- If you are (or want to be) skilled at some work (v. 29), who would you want to work for? What people would you want to serve? Why?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- What transformative move needs to be made?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
- What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
- Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
- What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom found in Proverbs 22. Help me to live out these truths in my life. Grant me the strength to build a good reputation, the dedication to teach and guide effectively, and the heart to be generous. May my life reflect Your love and grace in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
- Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
- Proverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
- Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
- Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
- Proverbs 15:20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
- Proverbs 17:2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
- Proverbs 17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
- Proverbs 19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
- Proverbs 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
- Proverbs 19:26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
- Proverbs 19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
- Proverbs 20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
- Proverbs 20:20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
- Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
- Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
- Proverbs 23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
- 14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
- Proverbs 23:15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. 16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
- Proverbs 23:24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
- Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
- Proverbs 29:17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
- Proverbs 29:21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
Other Resources:
- Audio Recordings Through the Word = Audio
Proverbs 22 - Train Up a Child
Articles
- Devotions
Devotional: Wisdom for Living Well
Reflection:
Proverbs 22 offers timeless wisdom that resonates deeply with our everyday lives. As we dive into this chapter, let’s focus on three key areas: the value of a good reputation, the role of education and discipline, and the importance of generosity.
The Value of a Good Name (Proverbs 22:1): “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
In a world where material success often seems to take precedence, Proverbs 22:1 reminds us that our character and reputation are of greater worth. Consider the impact of your actions on those around you. Are you known for your integrity, kindness, and honesty? Reflect on how you can cultivate a reputation that honors God and builds trust with others.
Prayer: Lord, help me to value and nurture a good name. Guide me in my actions and words so that I may be a reflection of Your love and truth. May my life be a testament to Your grace and goodness.
The Role of Education and Discipline (Proverbs 22:6): “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
This verse highlights the importance of guiding and educating the younger generation. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or mentor, your influence shapes their future. It’s not just about teaching academic knowledge but also instilling values and wisdom that will guide them throughout their lives.
Prayer: Father, grant me the wisdom to teach and guide those who look up to me. Help me to impart not just knowledge but also character and faith. May my efforts bear fruit in their lives and in the world.
The Importance of Generosity (Proverbs 22:9): “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
Generosity is a hallmark of a heart aligned with God’s values. When we give to those in need, we not only help them but also align ourselves with God’s blessings. Reflect on the ways you can be more generous, whether through time, resources, or kindness.
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to the needs around me and fill my heart with a spirit of generosity. Help me to give selflessly and to reflect Your love through my actions. May my generosity be a light to others and a testament to Your provision.
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