King James Version
Proverbs 22
29 verses with commentary
Proverbs on Reputation and Child-Rearing
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. loving: or, favour is better than, etc
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb values reputation over riches: 'A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.' A 'good name' (shem tov—good reputation) surpasses material wealth in value. 'Loving favour' (chen tov—gracious favor, goodwill) similarly exceeds precious metals. The verse establishes priorities: character and reputation matter more than financial wea...
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**XXII.**
(1) **Loving favour.—**Or, *favour is better than silver and gold. *“Favour” may signify the grace which wins love, as well as the favour gained thereby.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
19-20. This mighty ruler and benefactor of heaven and earth is such especially to His chosen people, to whom alone (De 4:32-34) He has made known His will, while others have been left in darkness. Therefore unite in the great hallelujah.
The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
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KJV Study Commentary
Rich and poor have commonality: 'the LORD is the maker of them all.' Despite economic disparities, all humans share equal status as God's creatures. The Hebrew 'asah' (maker/Creator) emphasizes God's sovereignty over all. This grounds human dignity and equality in creation, not in wealth or status. Reformed theology's doctrine of imago Dei insists that all people, regardless of economic position, ...
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(2) **The rich and poor meet together.—**Are thrown together in the world in order to aid each other in the path through life, remembering that they are brethren, sons of one Father. (Comp. 1Corinthians 12:27.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
19-20. This mighty ruler and benefactor of heaven and earth is such especially to His chosen people, to whom alone (De 4:32-34) He has made known His will, while others have been left in darkness. Therefore unite in the great hallelujah.
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
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KJV Study Commentary
The 'prudent' (Hebrew 'arum'—shrewd, sensible) foresees danger and hides, while the 'simple' (Hebrew 'pethi'—naive) pass on and are punished. Wisdom involves anticipating consequences and taking preventive action. The simple lack foresight and suffer accordingly. Reformed theology values prudence as a virtue—using God-given reason to assess risks and act accordingly. This isn't fatalism but stewar...
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(3) **A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself,** as the Israelites hid themselves within their houses from the destroying angel, Noah within the Ark, the Christians before the fall of Jerusalem (Luke 21:21) in Pella. (Comp. Isaiah 26:20.)
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. By: or, The reward of humility, etc
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KJV Study Commentary
Humility and fear of the LORD bring riches, honor, and life—the comprehensive blessings of covenant faithfulness. This doesn't promise prosperity theology but shows that godliness generally conduces to wellbeing. True riches include spiritual blessings infinitely surpassing material wealth.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **By humility and the fear of the Lord.—**Rather, *by *(or, the reward of) *humility is the fear of the Lord. *He guides the humble and teaches them His fear. (Comp. Psalm 25:9.)
**Honour, and life.**—Comp. Proverbs 21:21.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 148 Psa 148:1-14. The scope of this Psalm is the same as that of the preceding.
**1. heavens [and] heights--**are synonymous.
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
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KJV Study Commentary
The 'froward' (Hebrew 'iqqesh'—twisted, perverse) person's way contains 'thorns and snares.' The righteous who 'keep his soul' stays far from them. The wicked's path is dangerous, while the righteous maintains safe distance. This reflects the Reformed principle of separation from sin. We must not only avoid evil acts but avoid situations and associations that lead to evil. The Hebrew 'shamar nephe...
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(5) **Thorns.—**Comp. note on Proverbs 15:19.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. hosts--**(compare Psa 103:21).
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Train: or, Catechise in: Heb. in his way
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.</strong> This proverb presents a profound principle of child-rearing that has shaped Jewish and Christian parenting for millennia. The Hebrew verb "train up" (חֲנֹךְ/<em>chanak</em>) carries rich meaning beyond simple instruction—it originally referred to the dedication of a house (Deuteronomy 20:5) o...
Read full commentary →The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender . the lender: Heb. the man that lendeth
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KJV Study Commentary
The rich 'ruleth over the poor,' and the 'borrower is servant to the lender.' These are observational statements about economic reality. Debt creates obligation and servitude. While not explicitly condemning lending or borrowing, this proverb warns of debt's relational consequences. Reformed theology values economic freedom as aspect of Christian liberty. Debt reduces freedom and creates dependenc...
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**4. heavens of heavens--**the very highest.
**waters--**clouds, resting above the visible heavens (compare Ge 1:7).
He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. the rod: or, with the rod of his anger he shall be consumed
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KJV Study Commentary
He who sows 'iniquity' reaps 'vanity' (Hebrew 'awen'—trouble, sorrow), and 'the rod of his anger shall fail.' The sowing-reaping metaphor appears throughout Scripture (Galatians 6:7-8). Injustice produces its own punishment—trouble and emptiness, not the prosperity the wicked expect. The 'rod of his anger' (instrument of oppression) will be broken. Reformed theology affirms God's justice: the wick...
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(8) **Vanity**—i.e., calamity, trouble.
**The rod of his anger shall fail.—**When his time comes, and his iniquity is full, he shall himself suffer the punishment he brought on others, as Babylon did (Isaiah 14:6), Assyria (Isaiah 30:31).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. praise the name--**as representing His perfections.
**he commanded--**"He" is emphatic, ascribing creation to God alone.
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. He that: Heb. Good of eye
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KJV Study Commentary
The person with a 'bountiful eye' (generous spirit) sees abundance where others see scarcity, giving freely to the poor. Such generosity receives divine blessing. This connects economic behavior to spiritual condition: the generous person has been transformed by God's grace and reflects His character. Giving to the poor is lending to the Lord (Proverbs 19:17); God repays with both temporal and ete...
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6. The perpetuity of the frame of nature is, of course, subject to Him who formed it.
**a decree ... pass--**His ordinances respecting them shall not change (Jr 36:31), or perish (Job 34:20; Psa 37:36).
Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
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KJV Study Commentary
Removing the 'scorner' (mocker of wisdom) from the community eliminates a source of 'contention' (strife, conflict). His departure brings peace: 'yea, strife and reproach shall cease.' The scorner doesn't merely hold wrong opinions but actively sows discord and mocks righteousness. Such people poison communities through cynicism, criticism, and contempt. Sometimes peace requires exclusion of those...
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(10) **The scorner.—**See above on Proverbs 1:22.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7-10. The call on the earth, as opposed to heaven, includes seas or depths, whose inhabitants the dragon, as one of the largest (on leviathan, see on Psa 104:26), is selected to represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate nature are introduced.
He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend. for: or, and hath grace in his lips
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KJV Study Commentary
When the scorner is punished, the simple person learns wisdom through observation. When the wise person receives instruction, he gains knowledge directly. This restates principles found elsewhere in Proverbs: different people require different pedagogical approaches. The simple (naive) need concrete examples; the wise profit from teaching alone. The scorner himself rarely learns but his punishment...
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(11) **For the grace of his lips.—**Rather, *who has grace of lips*; one who loves the truth and can speak it pleasantly.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7-10. The call on the earth, as opposed to heaven, includes seas or depths, whose inhabitants the dragon, as one of the largest (on leviathan, see on Psa 104:26), is selected to represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate nature are introduced.
The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor. the words: or, the matters
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KJV Study Commentary
The 'righteous man' here likely refers to God, who 'wisely considereth the house of the wicked'—observing with perfect knowledge and judgment. He then 'overthroweth' the wicked in their dwellings, bringing comprehensive judgment. Nothing escapes divine notice; no wickedness avoids accountability. This assures believers that God sees all injustice and will certainly judge. His timing may seem slow,...
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(12) **The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge**—*i.e., *men who know and speak the truth. (See above on Proverbs 21:28.)
**He overthroweth the words of the transgressor—***i.e.*, the deceitful; He brings his lies to light.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7-10. The call on the earth, as opposed to heaven, includes seas or depths, whose inhabitants the dragon, as one of the largest (on leviathan, see on Psa 104:26), is selected to represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate nature are introduced.
The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
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KJV Study Commentary
Those who ignore the poor's cries will themselves cry unheard. This reciprocity reflects God's moral governance: we receive mercy as we show mercy. The rich man ignored Lazarus and found himself unheard in torment (Luke 16:19-31). God identifies with the poor; refusing to help them is refusing Him. This doesn't earn salvation but reveals whether we've been transformed by grace. Those who have rece...
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(13) **The slothful man saith, There is a lion without . . .**—No excuses are too absurd for him, he fears to meet a lion in the open country, or, he might be murdered in the streets.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7-10. The call on the earth, as opposed to heaven, includes seas or depths, whose inhabitants the dragon, as one of the largest (on leviathan, see on Psa 104:26), is selected to represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate nature are introduced.
The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb warns against sexual immorality using vivid imagery. 'Strange women' (זָרוֹת/<em>zarot</em>) refers to adulteresses or prostitutes—women outside covenant marriage. The 'deep pit' (שׁוּחָה עֲמֻקָּה/<em>shuchah amuqqah</em>) evokes inescapable danger, like Joseph's pit (Genesis 37:24) or the grave (Psalm 55:23). Once a man falls into sexual sin, escape becomes extraordinarily difficult....
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(14) **Strange women.—**See above on Proverbs 2:16.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11-12. Next all rational beings, from the highest in rank to little children.
**princes--**or, military leaders.
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb addresses child-rearing: 'Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.' The verse recognizes innate sinfulness—'foolishness' (ivvelet—moral folly, not mere childish ignorance) is 'bound' (qeshurah—tied, attached) in children's hearts from birth. This reflects the doctrine of original sin (Psalm 51:5, 58:3). The 'rod of correction...
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(15) **Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child.**—Self-will is meant. (See above on Proverbs 1:7.) Children have to be taught to yield their wills to others.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11-12. Next all rational beings, from the highest in rank to little children.
**princes--**or, military leaders.
He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
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KJV Study Commentary
The person who wanders from understanding's path will dwell 'in the congregation of the dead.' Understanding means practical wisdom that fears God and follows His ways. Departing from this path leads to spiritual death and ultimately eternal separation from God. The 'congregation of the dead' depicts the realm of departed spirits—those who died in sin. This isn't annihilation but conscious existen...
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(16) **He that oppresseth the poor . . .**—Rather, *he that does so is *(*thereby*)* giving to the rich, only to *(*his own*)* loss. *That is, he shall be none the better for the act of oppression, but shall have to disgorge his prey to some one richer and more powerful than himself, and thereby be reduced to poverty.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. Let them--**all mentioned.
**excellent--**or, exalted (Is 12:4).
**his glory--**majesty (Psa 45:3).
**above the earth and heaven--**Their united splendors fail to match His.
Thirty Sayings of the Wise
Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
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KJV Study Commentary
Loving pleasure leads to poverty; loving 'wine and oil' (luxury and indulgence) prevents wealth accumulation. This warns against hedonism—making pleasure life's organizing principle. Those who prioritize gratification squander resources on temporary satisfaction rather than investing wisely. The principle extends beyond economics to spiritual poverty: those who live for pleasure miss life's true p...
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4.AN INTRODUCTION, CONTAINING AN EXHORTATION TO “HEAR THE WORDS OF THE WISE,” SERVING AS A HEADING TO Proverbs 22:22 to Proverbs 24:22 (Proverbs 22:17-21).
(17) **Hear the words of the wise.—**Comp. chap 1:6. As “wise” is in the plural number, it would seem as if the following section contained proverbs written by others than Solomon, though they may have been collected by him. (Comp. Proverbs 24:...
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**14. exalteth the horn--**established power (Psa 75:5, 6).
**praise of--**or literally, "for"
**his saints--**that is, occasions for them to praise Him. They are further described as "His people," and "near unto Him," sustaining by covenanted care a peculiarly intimate relation.
For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. within: Heb. in thy belly
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KJV Study Commentary
The wicked serves as 'ransom' for the righteous—experiencing judgment meant for God's people. Throughout history, God judges Israel's enemies while delivering His people. The principle appears in Esther (Haman executed instead of Mordecai) and in Egypt (firstborn slain while Israel spared). This doesn't mean the righteous deserve deliverance; rather, God providentially arranges circumstances to pr...
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(18) **They shall withal be fitted in thy lips.—**Rather, *if they be established *(*dwell constantly*) *upon thy lips. *They are to be as a watch, and “keep the door of his lips” against sin (Psalm 141:3), to teach him what to say in difficulty (Mark 13:11), *how *to speak without fear even before kings (Psalm 119:46); by them the “praises of God” will ever be in his mouth (Psalm 149:6).
That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. even: or, trust thou also
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KJV Study Commentary
Dwelling alone in the wilderness surpasses living with a contentious, angry wife. The wilderness represents isolation, danger, and hardship—yet even this beats domestic warfare. Constant strife makes a home unbearable. This hyperbole warns men to seek godly wives and warns wives against contentious behavior. The principle applies mutually: either spouse's habitual anger destroys peace. Marriage sh...
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(19) **I have made known to thee this day, even to thee **these counsels of the wise. The words, “this day,” recall the warning of Hebrews 3:13, and the emphatic “to thee, even to thee,” imply that the message of God, though it may be [general in its form, yet is addressed to each individual soul among His people (comp., “Ho, every one that thirsteth,” Isaiah 55:1); each being well known, and an o...
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PSALM 149 Psa 149:1-9. This Psalm sustains a close connection with the foregoing. The chosen people are exhorted to praise God, in view of past favors, and also future victories over enemies, of which they are impliedly assured.
1. (Compare Psa 96:1).
Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
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KJV Study Commentary
The wise person's dwelling contains stored treasure and oil—abundance from diligent work and prudent management. The fool squanders everything through improvidence and indulgence. Wisdom produces prosperity through hard work, planning, and frugality; folly produces poverty through waste. This isn't promising wealth to all wise people but affirming general principles: disciplined stewardship usuall...
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2. God had signalized His relation as a sovereign, in restoring them to their land.
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? to them: or, to those that send thee?
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KJV Study Commentary
Pursuing 'righteousness and mercy' leads to finding 'life, righteousness, and honour.' Those who seek to live justly and show compassion receive abundant blessing—true life (not mere existence), established righteousness, and honorable reputation. This isn't works-righteousness but describing the path of true discipleship. Those genuinely converted pursue godliness and mercy because they've been t...
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(21) **That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?—**This rendering is somewhat doubtful, but seems to give the best sense to the passage. The scholar is to be instructed not for his own profit alone, but in order that he may be able to teach others also. (Comp. 1Peter 3:15.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. in the dance--**(Psa 30:11). The dance is connected with other terms, expressive of the great joy of the occasion. The word may be rendered "lute," to which the other instruments are joined.
**sing praises--**or, sing and play.
Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
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KJV Study Commentary
This command forbids exploiting the vulnerable. 'Rob not the poor, because he is poor' addresses the temptation to prey on those unable to defend themselves. The Hebrew אַל־תִּגְזָל־דָּל (<em>al-tigzal-dal</em>) means 'do not rob/plunder the weak/helpless.' The logic is striking: don't exploit someone precisely because their poverty makes them vulnerable. The second phrase 'neither oppress the aff...
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5. FIRST APPENDIX TO THE “PROVERBS OF SOLOMON” (Proverbs 10:1 to Proverbs 22:16), CONTAINING PROVERBS OF DIFFERENT LENGTHS, FROM THE DISTICH TO THE LENGTHENED DIDACTIC POEM (Proverbs 22:22 to Proverbs 24:22).
(22) **Neither oppress the afflicted in the gate.—**The place of business (Genesis 34:20) and of judgment (Deuteronomy 21:19; Amos 5:15). (Comp. the title, “the Sublime Porte.”) This, with th...
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**4. taketh pleasure--**literally, "accepts," alluding to acceptance of propitiatory offerings (compare Psa 147:11).
**beautify, &c.--**adorn the humble with faith, hope, joy, and peace.
For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse grounds the previous command in God's character as defender of the oppressed. 'The LORD will plead their cause' (יָרִיב יְהוָה רִיבָם/<em>yariv YHWH rivam</em>, literally 'the LORD will contend their case') presents God as the ultimate advocate for the powerless. When human courts fail, divine justice prevails. The second half warns: 'and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them' (וְקָ...
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**5. in glory--**the honorable condition to which they are raised.
**upon their beds--**once a place of mourning (Psa 6:6).
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb warns against close association with angry people. 'Make no friendship' (אַל־תִּתְרָעָה/<em>al-titra'eh</em>, do not associate/befriend) with 'an angry man' (בַּעַל אַף/<em>ba'al af</em>, literally 'master/possessor of anger'). The parallel 'furious man' (אִישׁ חֵמוֹת/<em>ish chemot</em>, man of wrath) intensifies the warning. This addresses habitual, uncontrolled anger—not occasional...
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**6. high praises--**or, "deeds." They shall go forth as religious warriors, as once religious laborers (Ne 4:17).
Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse explains the danger of befriending angry people: you will 'learn his ways' (תֶּאֱלַף אֹרְחֹתָיו/<em>te'elaf orchotav</em>, literally 'become familiar with/trained in his paths'). Habits, attitudes, and behaviors transfer through relationship. The result is getting 'a snare to thy soul' (מוֹקֵשׁ לְנַפְשֶׁךָ/<em>moqesh lenafshekha</em>, trap for your life). What begins as association ends...
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(25) **Lest thou . . . get a snare to thy soul—***i.e., *lose thy life.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7. The destruction of the incorrigibly wicked attends the propagation of God's truth, so that the military successes of the Jews, after the captivity, typified the triumphs of the Gospel.
Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb warns against financial co-signing. 'Strike hands' (תֹּקְעֵי כָף/<em>toqe'ei khaf</em>) refers to the ancient practice of shaking hands to seal a deal—specifically becoming surety for another's debt. 'Sureties for debts' (עֹרְבִים מַשָּׁאוֹת/<em>orvim mashsha'ot</em>, guarantors of obligations) means pledging your assets to cover someone else's loan. Proverbs repeatedly cautions again...
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(26) **Be not thou one of them that strike hands.**—Another warning against suretiship. (See above, on Proverbs 6:1.)
If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse explains the previous warning's stakes: 'If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?' The rhetorical question highlights the absurdity of risking essential possessions. 'Thy bed' (מִשְׁכָּבְךָ/<em>mishkavkha</em>) symbolizes the most basic necessity—shelter and rest. Ancient law protected certain essential items (Exodus 22:26-27), but co-signing could o...
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(27) **Why should he take away thy bed from under thee?**—If the mantle was taken in pledge, it had to be restored before sundown for the poor man to sleep in; but this merciful provision of the Law was evidently evaded. (Comp. Ezekiel 18:12.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. the judgment written--**either in God's decrees, or perhaps as in De 32:41-43.
**this honour--**that is, to be thus employed, will be an honorable service, to be assigned
**his saints--**or, godly ones (Psa 16:3).
Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. landmark: or, bound
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KJV Study Commentary
This command—'Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set'—prohibits moving boundary markers. 'Ancient landmark' (גְּבוּל עוֹלָם/<em>gevul olam</em>) refers to stones marking property boundaries. Moving them to steal land was a serious crime. The law explicitly forbade this: 'Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance' (Deut...
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(28) **Remove not the ancient landmark.—**The stones marking the boundaries of the fields: evidently a not uncommon crime, from the earnestness with which it is forbidden. (Comp. Proverbs 23:10; Deuteronomy 19:14; Deuteronomy 27:17.)
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. mean: Heb. obscure men
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KJV Study Commentary
Those skilled in their work gain positions before kings—excellence brings recognition and opportunity. This affirms vocational diligence as way to serve God and advance His kingdom. Work done 'as unto the Lord' demonstrates faith through faithful stewardship of abilities.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **He shall stand before kings.—**Shall attend upon them as their minister. (Comp. Genesis 41:46.) This verse is a tristich, containing three lines.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 150 Psa 150:1-6. This is a suitable doxology for the whole book, reciting the "place, theme, mode, and extent of God's high praise."
**1. in his sanctuary--**on earth.
**firmament of his power--**which illustrates His power.