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Proverbs Chapter Twenty-Two
April 22, 2017

In Proverbs Chapter Twenty-One we read that it is our responsibility to be prepared for life and to also remember that it is God who delivers us. This week, the lessons of wisdom are expanded with a reflection on what is important for us. Most people think that having lots of money is most important; the reality is having favor with God is most important. We all are children of God and accountable to Him. Careful people consider troubles that may arise out of their actions and take another course to avoid the troubles. The key to riches, honor, and life is by fearing God. There is nothing incompatible with obeying and respecting God and having riches, honor, and life. The rough and thorny road of life is set before those who believe they know it all; those who realize they do not know it all are less likely to be caught up on this thorny road of life. God has a plan for everyone; train a child to search for the life that God wants for them, and when the child is old, they will be living that life. In life it is the rich who have power and the poor who have to make good on their debts. Remember to focus on what is good and to be generous with what you have. Get rid of those who think they know better than everyone else, and any strife and contention you have will cease.

Proverbs 22:1-10
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

Those is authority prefer to trust those who never will lie to them. Those who lie and deceive will be overthrown by God. Lazy people can come up with any reason why something can't done. God will use vile people to punish sinful people. Children are playful and do not always understand the value in work; help them to understand the value in work so that they one day will delight in work as much as they delight in play. Those who oppress poor people to impress rich people will come to nothing. In all of your acquisitions, acquire wisdom and knowledge and keep these precious acquisitions close to your heart.

Proverbs 22:11-20
He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend. The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor. The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets. The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein. Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

Your precious gifts of wisdom and knowledge will benefit not only you, but those whom you encounter. Never oppress the poor and those who are without care; God will plead their cause and oppressing these people is like taking on God. Avoid angry people and do not socialize with them, lest you become like them. Do not take the responsibility for other people's actions or debt. Respect the landmarks and traditions that have been established; do not change these for your satisfaction.

Proverbs 22:21-29
That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Be diligent in what you do and you will be noticed by those in authority.

All verses are from the King James Version.
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