Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22
Verses 1-29
CHAPTER 22
Pr 22:1-29.
1. A good name—(Job 30:8, Hebrew); "good" is supplied here from Ec 7:1.
loving favour—kind regard, that is, of the wise and good.
Verses 2
2. Before God all are on the same footing (Pr 14:31; 17:5).
Verses 3
3. are punished—that is, for their temerity; for the evil is not necessarily punitive, as the prudent might otherwise be its objects.
Verses 4
4. humility and the fear of the Lord—are in apposition; one produces the other. On the results, compare Pr 3:16; 8:18.
Verses 5
5. he that … them—Those who properly watch over their own souls are thus preserved from the dangers which attend the way of perverse men (Pr 16:17).
Verses 6
6. Train—initiate, or early instruct.
the way—literally, "his way," that selected for him in which he should go; for early training secures habitual walking in it.
Verses 7
7. The influence of wealth sets aside moral distinctions is implied, and, of course, disapproved (compare Pr 19:6; 21:14, &c.).
Verses 8
8. (Compare Pr 11:18; Ps 109:16-20; Ga 6:7, 8).
the rod … fail—His power to do evil will be destroyed.
Verses 9
9. a bountiful eye—that is, a beneficent disposition.
for he giveth … poor—His acts prove it.
Verses 10
10. Cast out—or drive away. Scorners foster strife by taunts and revilings.
Verses 11
11. (Compare Margin).
pureness of heart—and gentle, kind words win favor, even from kings.
Verses 12
12. preserve—or guard.
knowledge—its principles and possessors.
overthroweth—utterly confounds and destroys the wicked.
Verses 13
13. Frivolous excuses satisfy the indolent man's conscience.
Verses 14
14. The mouth—or flattering speeches (Pr 5:3; 7:5) ensnare man, as pits, beasts. God makes their own sin their punishment.
Verses 15
15. is bound—or firmly fixed. Chastisement deters from crime and so leads to reformation of principle.
Verses 16
16. These two vices pertain to the same selfish feeling. Both are deservedly odious to God and incur punishment.
Verses 17
17. Here begins another division of the book, marked by those encouragements to the pursuit of wisdom, which are found in the earlier chapters. It will be observed that at Pr 22:22-24:12, the proverbs are generally expressed in two verses instead of one (see Introduction).
Verses 18
18. These lessons must be laid up in the mind, and
fitted—or better, "fixed" in the lips so as to be ever ready.
Verses 19
19. That … Lord—This is the design of the instruction.
Verses 20
20. excellent things—or probably of former times.
counsels and knowledge—both advice and instruction.
Verses 21
21. Specially he desires to secure accuracy, so that his pupil may teach others.
Verses 22
22, 23. Here follow ten precepts of two verses each. Though men fail to defend the poor, God will (Pr 17:5; Ps 12:5).
in the gate—place of public gathering (Job 5:4; Ps 69:12).
Verses 23-24
24, 25. (Compare Pr 2:12-15; 4:14).
Verses 25
25. a snare … soul—The unsuspecting are often misled by bad company.
Verses 26
26, 27. (Compare Pr 6:1; 17:18).
Verses 27
27. should he take, &c.—that is, the creditor.
Verses 28
28. (Compare Pr 23:10). Do not entrench on others (De 19:14; 27:17).
Verses 29
29. Success rewards diligence (Pr 10:4; 21:5).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.