17 Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thy heart unto my knowledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee: they shall be together fitted on thy lips. 19 That thy confidence may be in Jehovah, I have made [them] known to thee this day, even to thee. 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things, in counsels and knowledge, 21 that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?
22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor, neither oppress the afflicted in the gate; 23 for Jehovah will plead their cause, and despoil the soul of those that despoil them.
24 Make no friendship with an angry man, and go not with a furious man; 25 lest thou learn his paths, and get a snare to thy soul.
26 Be not of them that strike hands, of them that are sureties for debts: 27 if thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
28 Remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set.
29 Hast thou seen a man diligent in his work? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before the mean.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 22:17-29
Commentary on Proverbs 22:17-21
(Read Proverbs 22:17-21)
To these words, to this knowledge, the ear must be bowed down, and the heart applied by faith and love. To live a life of delight in God and dependence on him, is the foundation of all practical religion. The way to know the certainty of the word of truth, is to make conscience of our duty.
Commentary on Proverbs 22:22-23
(Read Proverbs 22:22-23)
He that robs and oppresses the poor, does so at his peril. And if men will not appear for them, God will.
Commentary on Proverbs 22:24-25
(Read Proverbs 22:24-25)
Our corrupt hearts have so much tinder in them, that it is dangerous to have to do with those that throw about the sparks of their passion.
Commentary on Proverbs 22:26-27
(Read Proverbs 22:26-27)
Every man ought to be just to himself, and his family; those are not so, who, by folly or other carelessness, waste what they have.
Commentary on Proverbs 22:28
(Read Proverbs 22:28)
We are taught not to trespass on another man's right. And it is hard to find a truly industrious man. Such a man will rise. Seest thou a man diligent in the business of religion? He is likely to excel. Let us then be diligent in God's work.