221 A name is chosen rather than much wealth, Than silver and than gold—good grace.
2 Rich and poor have met together, The Maker of them all 'is' Jehovah.
3 The prudent hath seen the evil, and is hidden, And the simple have passed on, and are punished.
4 The end of humility 'is' the fear of Jehovah, Riches, and honour, and life.
5 Thorns—snares 'are' in the way of the perverse, Whoso is keeping his soul is far from them.
6 Give instruction to a youth about his way, Even when he is old he turneth not from it.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 22:1-6
Commentary on Proverbs 22:1
(Read Proverbs 22:1)
We should be more careful to do that by which we may get and keep a good name, than to raise or add unto a great estate.
Commentary on Proverbs 22:2
(Read Proverbs 22:2)
Divine Providence has so ordered it, that some are rich, and others poor, but all are guilty before God; and at the throne of God's grace the poor are as welcome as the rich.
Commentary on Proverbs 22:3
(Read Proverbs 22:3)
Faith foresees the evil coming upon sinners, and looks to Jesus Christ as the sure refuge from the storm.
Commentary on Proverbs 22:4
(Read Proverbs 22:4)
Where the fear of God is, there will be humility. And much is to be enjoyed by it; spiritual riches, and eternal life at last.
Commentary on Proverbs 22:5
(Read Proverbs 22:5)
The way of sin is vexatious and dangerous. But the way of duty is safe and easy.
Commentary on Proverbs 22:6
(Read Proverbs 22:6)
Train children, not in the way they would go, that of their corrupt hearts, but in the way they should go; in which, if you love them, you would have them go. As soon as possible every child should be led to the knowledge of the Saviour.