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Proverbs 22

29 verses

TL;DR

Proverbs 22 teaches that a good name, humility, and wise conduct outweigh wealth, offering wisdom on relationships, wealth, and integrity.

Summary

Proverbs 22 opens by contrasting a good reputation with material riches, urging readers to value character over wealth. It emphasizes humility and reverence for God as foundations for true prosperity. The chapter warns against foolishness, boasting, and the dangers of the ungodly, highlighting the consequences of sin and the rewards of righteous conduct. It advises against exploiting the poor, cautions about aligning with wicked people, and stresses the importance of sound judgments and careful speech. The closing verses encourage diligent work, sound relationships, and wise stewardship of resources, reminding readers that God ultimately justifies the afflicted and condemns the oppressors.

Outline
  1. Value of reputation and humility over wealth
  2. Warnings against foolishness, oppression, and bad alliances
  3. Encouragement of diligence, wisdom, and righteous conduct
Themes
Virtue vs. viceWealth and integrityWisdom in relationships
Keywords
wisdomprudencevirtuewealthhumilityreputationoppressionjusticechildrenretribution
People
LORDking
Places
gate
Things
good namericheshumilityfear of the LORDthornssnareschildrod of angerknowledgeslothlionwomen's mouthoppressionfriendshipancient landmark
Key Verses
  • Proverbs 22:1: Stresses the supreme value of a good name over material wealth.
  • Proverbs 22:4: Links humility and reverence for God to true riches and honor.
  • Proverbs 22:10: Illustrates how scorn and contention can be removed by eliminating the scorner.
  • Proverbs 22:16: Highlights the injustice of oppressing the poor for personal gain.
  • Proverbs 22:23: Condemns unjustly robbing the poor and emphasizes God's advocacy for the afflicted.
Questions
  • How does Proverbs 22 redefine success compared to worldly standards?
  • In what ways does the chapter advise us to handle relationships with the rich and poor?
  • What practical steps does it suggest for cultivating a reputation worthy of praise?
  • How can we apply the warnings against 'thorns and snares' to contemporary life?
  • What lessons can we learn from the emphasis on 'fear of the LORD' in achieving true honor?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter blends commendations for wisdom and integrity with stern warnings against folly, oppression, and pride.