Proverbs 22

Written on 05/09/2024

Verse 1

  • A great reputation is more precious than wealth. 

    • Choose to conduct your actions in a godly and honorable way, and you will have more favor.

    • Also keep in mind that, even in business, if your product or service or company has a bad reputation, people will not buy from you, and your wealth will dwindle.

 

Verse 2

  • Remember that no matter a person's class or status in this world, they are all God's creation and loved by Him. We are all equal on the level that we are all God's creation.

    • Show respect to all kinds of people for this reason (1 Peter 2:17). 

 

Verse 4

  • Deeply fearing God by avoiding sin and being humble in your ways will bring all kinds of good into your life. Remember this, and prioritize building up your humility and fear of God!

    • For fear, learn in the Word about God's judgment.

    • For humility, learn in the Word about the dangers of pride and examples of humble actions.

 

Verse 6, 15

  • Verse 6. Understand that truly godly parenting will always result in wise and obedient children. 

  • Verse 15. Children are born foolish because of their inherited sinful nature, and they must be well-trained in order to become upstanding people.

    • Godly parenting / training for children involves:

    • Diligent teaching/instruction (Deuteronomy 6:5-9),

    • Diligent discipline for disobedience (Proverbs 19:18, 22:15, 29:17), and

    • Diligent modeling/example-setting (Proverbs 17:6, 1 Corinthians 4:15-16).

  • Do all these things well, and you will raise godly children! But remember that if you delay to do these things for your children, while they are young, hope could be lost (Proverbs 19:18).

 

 

Verse 7, 9

  • Do your best to not borrow money from people, as this makes you a slave. And we are not to be slaves to any man (Romans 13:8, 1 Corinthians 7:23).

  • Instead, be one who works hard, provides for all that he needs with his own money(Acts 20:34), and gives generously to others (Proverbs 21:26, 22:9).

 

 

Verse 8

  • If you sin, it will bring sadness back to you. If you have sadness in your life that is being caused by your sin, admit it and repent.

    • Repenting will bring joy back to you, but it will be hard to be joyful if you're in sin.

 

Verse 10

  • When there is strife or conflict, you will help to stop it if you stop scornful or sarcastic comments. Sometimes you will have to separate people who bring mockery.

    • You will not be able to stop conflict as long as disrespectful remarks continue.

    • As for yourself, don't joke in moments that should be serious if you want to prevent or resolve conflict.

 

Verse 13 (Proverbs 26:13)

  • Laziness is known by its many excuses and unreasonable worries or fears.

    • Understand that a person who claims to be weakened by worry or fear often also suffers from laziness. Laziness gives fear a stronger hold on a person.

  • Diligent people are not afraid of challenges or hardships. 

    • If you find yourself not taking necessary action because of worry or fear, remember that the sin of laziness is holding you back. Be quick to change your ways.

 

Verse 14

  • Remember that some unbelievers fully give in to sin because they are being hardened by God (Romans 1:26,28).

    • Once they reach a certain point, people simply will not repent of their sins, no matter what.

    • Do not waste your time trying to save someone that is being hardened by God. 

      • Hardened people have the characteristic described in Romans 1:29-32.

 

Verse 17-21

  • Verses 17-20. You need to learn the Word and obey it if you are going to be able to trust in God. You will not be able to grow your trust in God if you do not grow in knowledge of His Word.

    • Keep learning the Bible! Remember that God brings you faith through His Word(Romans 10:17).

  • Verse 21. You will need to know the truth of the Word in order to answer truthfully to people who ask you questions. Do not think that you will be able to speak many helpful things if you do not know the Word.

 

Verse 24-25

  • “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Your friends influence you. Choose bad friends, and you will be badly influenced. Choose godly friends!

 

Verse 28

  • Value things that serve as memories of important events in the past. 

    • You will stay more encouraged in your trust in God if you keep memories of past works of God (Psalm 77:9-13).

 

Verse 29

  • You will have greater influence if you are highly skilled and excellent in what you do. 

    • Don't crave an audience or attention from others. 

    • Do all to glorify God, make your actions skillful and excellent, and this will bring you the influence that God intends for you.