KJV

KJV

Click to Change

Return to Top

Return to Top

Printer Icon

Print

Prior Book Prior Chapter Back to Commentaries Author Bio & Contents Next Chapter Next Book
The Blue Letter Bible

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown :: Commentary on Proverbs 22

toggle collapse
Choose a new font size and typeface

The Book of Proverbs

Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET

CHAPTER 22

Pro 22:1-29.

      1. A good name-- ( Job 30:8, Hebrew); "good" is supplied here from Ecc 7:1.
      loving favour--kind regard, that is, of the wise and good.

      2. Before God all are on the same footing ( Pro 14:31 17:5 ).

      3. are punished--that is, for their temerity; for the evil is not necessarily punitive, as the prudent might otherwise be its objects.

      4. humility and the fear of the Lord--are in apposition; one produces the other. On the results, compare Pro 3:16 8:18.

      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 ( Pro 16:17 ).

      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.

      7. The influence of wealth sets aside moral distinctions is implied, and, of course, disapproved (compare Pro 19:6 21:14, &c.).

      8. (Compare Pro 11:18 Psa 109:16-20 Gal 6:7, 8 ).
      the rod. . . fail--His power to do evil will be destroyed.

      9. a bountiful eye--that is, a beneficent disposition.
      for he giveth. . . poor--His acts prove it.

      10. Cast out--or drive away. Scorners foster strife by taunts and revilings.

      11. (Compare Margin).
      pureness of heart--and gentle, kind words win favor, even from kings.

      12. preserve--or guard.
      knowledge--its principles and possessors.
      overthroweth--utterly confounds and destroys the wicked.

      13. Frivolous excuses satisfy the indolent man's conscience.

      14. The mouth--or flattering speeches ( Pro 5:3 7:5 ) ensnare man, as pits, beasts. God makes their own sin their punishment.

      15. is bound--or firmly fixed. Chastisement deters from crime and so leads to reformation of principle.

      16. These two vices pertain to the same selfish feeling. Both are deservedly odious to God and incur punishment.

      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 Pro 22:22 - 24:12, the proverbs are generally expressed in two verses instead of one (see JF & B for Introduction).

      18. These lessons must be laid up in the mind, and
      fitted--or better, "fixed" in the lips so as to be ever ready.

      19. That. . . Lord--This is the design of the instruction.

      20. excellent things--or probably of former times.
      counsels and knowledge--both advice and instruction.

      21. Specially he desires to secure accuracy, so that his pupil may teach others.

      22, 23. Here follow ten precepts of two verses each. Though men fail to defend the poor, God will ( Pro 17:5 Psa 12:5 ).
      in the gate--place of public gathering ( Job 5:4 Psa 69:12 ).

      24, 25. (Compare Pro 2:12-15 4:14 ).

      25. a snare. . . soul--The unsuspecting are often misled by bad company.

      26, 27. (Compare Pro 6:1 17:18 ).

      27. should he take, &c.--that is, the creditor.

      28. (Compare Pro 23:10 ). Do not entrench on others ( Deu 19:14 27:17 ).

      29. Success rewards diligence ( Pro 10:4 21:5 ).

Introduction to the Psalms ← Prior Book
Introduction to Ecclesiastes Next Book →
Commentary on Proverbs 21 ← Prior Chapter
Commentary on Proverbs 23 Next Chapter →
BLB Searches
Search the Bible
KJV
 [?]

Advanced Options

Other Searches

Multi-Verse Retrieval
x
KJV

Daily Devotionals
x

Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness.

Daily Bible Reading Plans
x

Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the Word of God in order to refocus one's mind and heart upon Christ and His Gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire Bible in a year.

One-Year Plans

Two-Year Plan

CONTENT DISCLAIMER:

The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.