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.
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.
46 Heb “knowledge” (so , ); in this context it refers to the knowledge that is spoken by the wise, hence “instruction.”
47 Or “when” (so ).
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.
49 The term “and” does not appear in the Hebrew but is supplied in the translation.
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.
51 The form לִהְיוֹת (lihyot, “to be”) is the infinitive construct indicating the purpose (or result) of the teaching (cf. , , ).
52 Heb “I cause you to know.” The term “today” indicates that the verb should have the instantaneous nuance, and so an English present tense is used in the translation (“am making … known”).
53 Older English versions and a few more recent ones render this phrase as either “excellent things” following the Qere (so , , , ), “officers,” or “heretofore” [day before yesterday], following the Kethib. However (as in most recent English versions) the Qere should be rendered “thirty,” referring to the number in the collection (cf. , , , ).
54 The term “sayings” does not appear in the Hebrew text but is supplied in the translation for the sake of clarity.
55 Heb “to cause you to know the truth of words of truth” ( similar).
56 Heb “to return true words”; “a dependable report”; “sound answers.”

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,

and apply your heart to my knowledge,

for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,

if all of them are ready on your lips.

That your trust may be in the Lord,

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

Have I not written for you thirty sayings

of counsel and knowledge,

to make you know what is right and true,

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

NIVNew International Version (2011)

Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;

apply your heart to what I teach,

for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart

and have all of them ready on your lips.

So that your trust may be in the Lord,

I teach you today, even you.

Have I not written thirty sayings for you,

sayings of counsel and knowledge,

teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,

so that you bring back truthful reports

to those you serve?

CSBChristian Standard Bible

Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise,

and apply your mind to my knowledge.

For it is pleasing if you keep them within you

and if they are constantly on your lips.

I have instructed you today—even you—

so that your confidence may be in the Lord.

Haven’t I written for you thirty sayings

about counsel and knowledge,

in order to teach you true and reliable words,

so that you may give a dependable report

to those who sent you?

NLTNew Living Translation

Listen to the words of the wise;

apply your heart to my instruction.

For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart

and always ready on your lips.

I am teaching you today—yes, you—

so you will trust in the Lord.

I have written thirty sayings for you,

filled with advice and knowledge.

In this way, you may know the truth

and take an accurate report to those who sent you.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise;

you shall apply your heart to my teaching.

For it is pleasant if you guard them within you;

together they will be ready upon your lips.

In order for your trust to be in Yahweh,

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

Have I not written for you thirty sayings

with admonitions and knowledge?

In order to show you what is right—sayings of truth—

in order to return a true saying to him who sent you.

KJV 1900King James Version

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,

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?

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Proverbs 22:17–21

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The Sayings of the Wise44

Footnotes