Proverbs 22:17–18

Footnotes

1. 44 A new collection of sayings begins here, forming the fourth section of the book of Proverbs. This collection is not like that of 1:1–9:18; here the introductory material is more personal than 1:1–7, and the style differs, showing great similarity to the Instruction of Amenemope in Egypt (especially the thirty precepts of the sages in 22:17–24:22). Verses 17–21 form the introduction, and then the sayings begin in v. 22. After the thirty sayings are given, there are further sayings in 24:23–34. There is much literature on this material: see W. K. Simpson, e.d., Literature of Ancient Egypt; 412–425; and A. Cody, “Notes on Proverbs 22:21 and 22:23b,” 61 (1980): 418–26.
2. 45 To “incline the ear” means to “listen carefully” (cf. ); the expression is metonymical in that the ear is the instrument for hearing. It is like telling someone to lean over to hear better.
3. 46 Heb “knowledge” (so , ); in this context it refers to the knowledge that is spoken by the wise, hence “instruction.”
4. 47 Or “when” (so ).
5. 48 Heb “keep them,” referring to the words of the wise expressed in these sayings. The referent has been specified in the translation for clarity.
6. 49 The term “and” does not appear in the Hebrew but is supplied in the translation.
7. 50 If the teachings are preserved in the heart/mind of the disciple, then that individual will always be ready to speak what was retained.