22:1 A reputation is to be chosen rather than great riches Stresses the value of a good reputation (Eccl 7:1). Like wisdom, a good reputation is more valuable than material wealth (Prov 3:13–15; 16:16).

22:2 Rich and poor have much in common All people are equally created by God, regardless of wealth or status. Other proverbs cite this as a reason to avoid oppressing the impoverished (14:31; 17:5).

22:3 the simple go on The simple are characterized by a lack of concern for danger. See 1:4 and note.

22:4 is the fear of Yahweh Describes a pious attitude toward Yahweh (see note on 1:7).

Fearing God in the Old Testament

wealth and honor and life Proverbs notes that blessings often come to the wise and faithful. See note on 3:2.

22:6 way Refers to moral education, the way that is proper for a child (compare 23:19; Job 31:7).

he will not stray from it Describes a pattern, not a promise. Children are responsible for their choices, regardless of their parents’ training. See note on Prov 3:2.

22:7 The rich will rule over the poor Rather than encourage the subjugation of the impoverished, this proverb reflects upon the fact that the rich have prominence while the poor have to depend on others. It also serves as a warning to live wisely (21:17, 20). Verse 2 stresses the equality of the poor and rich before Yahweh.

22:9 who is generous will be blessed Generous people will be blessed because Yahweh will repay them (see 19:17 and note).

22:10 Drive out a scoffer Scoffers cause contention and arguments; removing them yields a more peaceful situation.

22:13 In the middle of the highway, I shall be killed The sluggard’s words are meant to be an absurd excuse for laziness. This proverb is repeated in a larger section condemning the sluggard (26:13–16; see 6:9 and note).

22:14 is the mouth of an adulteress See note on 2:16.

22:15 in the heart of a boy In Proverbs, the child represents someone in need of instruction or discipline. While the child may act foolishly or without sense (7:7), the child willingly accepts discipline in order to learn (v. 6)—the child is thus distinguished from the fool.

discipline The Hebrew word used here, musar, emphasizes teaching or instruction. The intent of discipline should be for the instruction and benefit of the child. See note on 13:24; compare note on 1:2.

Topics in Proverbs Table

22:18 within you The Hebrew phrase used here literally means “in your belly.” In the ancient Near East, thoughts were sometimes believed to be stored in the belly (see 18:8 and note).

22:20 thirty sayings The remainder of this section (22:22–24:22) divides into roughly 30 paragraphs.

Wisdom in Proverbs

22:22 crush the afflicted at the gate The gate of a city was often the center of commercial and legal activity (see Ruth 4:1 and note).

22:23 Yahweh will plead their case Previous proverbs showed that the oppression of the poor insults God, the Maker of both rich and poor (Prov 14:31; 17:5). This proverb goes further, stating Yahweh will come to the defense of the impoverished and carry out justice for the oppressed.

22:28 Do not remove an ancient boundary marker Moving boundaries was a way to illegally seize land. It was prohibited by the law (Deut 19:14; 27:17). This proverb is expounded on in Prov 23:10–11.