17 Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise.
Apply your heart to my teaching. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips. 19 That your trust may be in Yahweh,
I teach you today, even you. 20 Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things
of counsel and knowledge, 21 To teach you truth, reliable words,
to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
22 Don’t exploit the poor, because he is poor;
and don’t crush the needy in court; 23 for Yahweh will plead their case,
and plunder the life of those who plunder them.
24 Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man,
and don’t associate with one who harbors anger: 25 lest you learn his ways,
and ensnare your soul.
26 Don’t you be one of those who strike hands,
of those who are collateral for debts. 27 If you don’t have means to pay,
why should he take away your bed from under you?
28 Don’t move the ancient boundary stone,
which your fathers have set up.
29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve kings.
He won’t serve obscure men.
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.