Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl: Proverbs 22:19-25 Wise Words from Wise Men 1b

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Proverbs 22:19–25

[19] That your trust may be in the Lord,

I have made them known to you today, even to you.

[20] Have I not written for you thirty sayings

of counsel and knowledge,

[21] to make you know what is right and true,

that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

[22] Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,

or crush the afflicted at the gate,

[23] for the Lord will plead their cause

and rob of life those who rob them.

[24] Make no friendship with a man given to anger,

nor go with a wrathful man,

[25] lest you learn his ways

and entangle yourself in a snare.

Wise Words From Wise Men 1b

v.19 Every time we read the Bible, God calls to us to open our ears and listen. Reading without comprehension is pointless. But God promises to those who read and take Scripture to heart that Wisdom will follow.

v.20-21 Solomon backs up the previous statement with these two verses, pointing out that this has been the message all along in the book of Proverbs—to achieve Divine Wisdom. Now Solomon adds that these words adapted from other people are a supplement to the sayings he has already delivered. He also says that we who have listened to the words of this book will be able to give a good account to the Lord. It is both a blessing from Solomon and an encouragement to continue reading and learning.

v.22-23 These verses warn against taking advantage of the poor, who are the least protected in society and, thus, the most vulnerable. This is as much about unethical dealing as with physical stealing. God remains the Lord of the rich and poor and the Redeemer of the faithful. In this world, the poor may appear to have no advocate, but God is their sure defense (Psalm 46) and provider of everlasting life.

v.24-25 This pair of verse caution against being friends with those who are quick to anger and act rashly without thinking things through. Such people are led by emotions of the moment rather than sound judgment. Associating with them runs the risk of their behavioral habits rubbing off on you from constant exposure.