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.
