17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise , And apply your mind to my knowledge ; 18 For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips . 19 So that your trust may be in the Lord , I have taught you today , even you. 20 Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge , 21 To make you know the certainty of the words of truth That you may correctly answer him who sent you?
22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor , Or crush the afflicted at the gate ; 23 For the Lord will plead their case And take the life of those who rob them.
24 Do not associate with a man given to anger ; Or go with a hot-tempered man ,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 22:17-24
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.