17 The words of the wise: Incline your ear and hear my words, and apply your mind to my teaching; 18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. 19 So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today-yes, to you. 20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings of admonition and knowledge, 21 to show you what is right and true, so that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
22 Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate; 23 for the Lord pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them.
24 Make no friends with those given to anger, and do not associate with hotheads, 25 or you may learn their ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
26 Do not be one of those who give pledges, who become surety for debts. 27 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
28 Do not remove the ancient landmark that your ancestors set up.
29 Do you see those who are skillful in their work? They will serve kings; they will not serve common people.
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.