Proverbs 22-23

Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22:1 To have a good name written in the Lamb’s book of life far transcends mere earthly riches. (Revelation 20:19)

Proverbs 22:6 seems like a promise that is often unfulfilled. Many children of godly parents choose as adults to walk away from Jesus. They have free will. Having a godly upbringing increases the environmental factors encouraging faith, but ultimately each person must exercise their own free will to choose to follow Jesus. 

Proverbs 22:9 God’s blessing of those who are generous to the poor is repeated in Proverbs several times (e.g., 21:13,22:22-23) and by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:4). Does this extend to nations? Does God’s blessing fall on nations that tax all residents and then provide welfare in various forms for the poor? It seems that taxpayers have no choice, and would not qualify for the blessing, since Gods looks at the heart. Voters and politicians who advocate for these programs and enact them might claim the blessing, except that they are using other peoples’ money, even though they would (presumably) pay their fair share of taxes. It seems that this promise applies more to private charities and the individuals who donate to them, and those who do the legwork of working directly with the poor. Giving to the panhandler on the street would seem to qualify, with the disclaimer that one doesn’t know if they will spend money thus received on drugs or alcohol rather than food and shelter. There is not a simple answer.

Proverbs 22:11 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:9) The King of kings is their friend.

Proverbs 22:14 This verse implies that when the Lord is angry with a man, He will allow them to be ensnared by the words of an adulterous woman, leading to further sin. Most likely this implies that man will be trapped by her sinful lifestyle, buying into it or at the very least unable to muster the resources to escape it, leading to consequences, perhaps destruction. This seems inconsistent with redemption, implying there is a point where God is so angry that He decides someone is beyond redemption. I have a hard time with this, other than maybe God confronts this man through the complete bankruptcy of his life, in which all he cares about (his marriage, relationships with children and friends, his career) is destroyed, and then he might turn back to God. 

Proverbs 22:17-19 Thirty sayings that might summarize all of the preceding content are introduced with this admonition: Trust in the Lord. (3:5-6)

Proverbs 22:21 Do not bear false witness. (Exodus 20:16; Matthew 5:35-37) Even if not under oath, tell the truth and (as Jesus says) say yes or no simply, without terms and conditions. But tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 

Proverbs 22:22-23 This is more direct than not giving to the poor. Exploiting them, taking advantage of them legally, means directly confronting the Lord, and He will inflict poetic justice as both prosecuting attorney and judge.  (Leviticus 24:17-21) Don’t get in that kind of dispute with the Lord.

 

Proverbs 22:24-25 We tend to let our friends lifestyles rub off onto us, and the temptation to be easily angered and hot-tempered runs directly counter to God’s grace and gentleness. The blessing of meekly inheriting the earth would thereby be missed. (Matthew 5:5)

Proverbs 22:26-27 Don’t co-sign promissory notes for others. In effect, you are taking out the loan yourself.

Proverbs 22:28 Do not steal property by moving boundary markers. Another form of theft, but the invocation of ancestors indicates stealing another person’s inheritance. Don’t!

Proverbs 22:29 A skilled workman is honored by the King. Implicit in his skill is hard work to follow the trade to which they are called. (for example Exodus 31:1-11) God will not waste their talent and devotion working for people who don’t appreciate it.

Proverbs 23

Rules of decorum  also show respect and humility, and warn us against overreach. (23:1-3,5,6-,22) Rulers and the rich put on a show of hospitality, but it is manipulative. Respect their position, but don’t covet their stuff. We must show respect in our hearts for the Lord’s table. He invites us openly and without hidden motives to partake of His supper. Participating with the right heart attitude is essential. (1 Corinthians 10:14-22; 11:23-34) 

Proverbs 23:4-6 The riches of faith will result in being carried off in the rapture, to be with the Lord, unlike earthly riches. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Proverbs 23:10-11further reinforces injunctions against theft of inheritance (22:28), especially of orphans, because Jesus is their defender.

Proverbs 23:13-14 Discipline with the rod will save children from death. (See also 22:6&15; Hebrews 12:4-11.)

Proverbs 23:20 likens drunkards and gluttons in only one aspect, that laziness and drowsiness will result in poverty. By contrast, 23:29-35 warns about consumption of wine and mixed drinks with detailed descriptions of the outcome: bodily woes, being poisoned (mind, body, and soul), hallucinations, nausea, numbness to pain, and obliviousness to the process.

Proverbs 23:22-25 Bodily ills and disappointments of old age (by contrast to alcohol abuse) can be offset by the joy of interaction with attentive younger generations.