proverbs 22:17-29

The Words of the Wise

17 - Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise,

and apply your mind to my knowledge

Meaning: pay attention to the words of the wise and seek understanding. So that we may change our minds with his knowledge.

18 - For it is pleasing if you keep them

within you

and if they are constantly constantly on your lips

Meaning: By knowing his words we are able to be them & speak them. Which becomes a foundation of how we speak and carry ourselves as Christians.

19 - I have instructed you today — even you —

so that your confidence may be in the lord

Meaning: God has given us instruction so that we may trust in him.

20 - Haven’t I written for you thirsty sayings

About counsel and knowledge

21 - In order to teach you true

and reliable words,

so that you may give a dependable report

to those who sent you?

Meaning: God has been diligent in his word and clear on truth.

22 - Don’t rob a poor person because he is poor,

and don’t crush the oppressed at

the city gate.

Meaning: Reminds us of our moral obligation in God to treat others with the same equality and to never take advantage based on status.

23 - for the Lord will champion their cause

and will plunder those who plunder them.

Meaning: For if we do there will be judgement and consequences in the court of heaven.

24 - Don’t make friends with an angry person

and don’t be a companion

of a hot tempered one,

25 - or you will learn his ways

and entangle yourself in a snare.

Meaning: We become like those we surrounded ourselves with. Avoiding negative influence is in our best interest.

26 - Don’t be one of those

who enter agreements,

who put up security for loans.

27 - If you have nothing with which to pay,

even your bed will be taken

from under you.

Meaning: Do not take on the debt of another person. This is a reminder to be financially responsible with our money and to not commit to things financially we cannot afford.

28 - Don’t move an ancient boundary marker

that your fathers set up.

Meaning: Be cautious of inter-generational financial obligations and estates. That is have wisdom on sale of family assets.

29 - Do you see a person skilled in his work?

He will stand in the presence of kings.

He will not stand in the presence

of the unknown.

Meaning: Mastery and skill are rewarded. Those who excel at work will be noticed.