What I Noticed Today (Proverbs 22-24)
Proverbs 22
Proverbs 22:1-16 marks the end of Solomon’s exposition of the duties of the wise and righteous that began in Proverbs 10.
There are three major sections or themes in Proverbs 22:1-16.
In verses 1-2, Solomon says that a good name is more important than wealth and that God is the Creator of all.
In verses 3-11, Solomon describes how the law of sowing and reaping governs humans as well as crops. The prudent man hides from danger the simple man does not. The reward for humility and fearing the Lord is wealth, honor, and life. Guard your soul by staying away from the snares of the wicked. Teach your children to live in the way God has designed them. The borrower is a slave to the lender. God will bring justice on the wicked. It is a blessing to be able to share with the poor. Peace can be achieved by driving out the scoffers and mockers. Leaders respect those whose hearts are pure and whose speech is gracious.
In verses 12-16, Solomon warns that God is opposed to certain types of people; the traitor, the sluggard, forbidden (immoral) women, foolish children, and those who oppress the poor.
Proverbs 22:17-24:33 shifts to specific lessons the wise need to learn. There are two major sections or themes in 22:17-21.
In verses 17-18, Solomon says it is important to develop your character by paying attention to the words of the wise, remember them, and teach them to others.
In verses 19-21, Solomon underscores the importance of trusting the Lord, understand the sayings of the wise, and be ready to teach them to others.
Proverbs 22:22-24:22 introduces a new group of sayings focused on increasing wisdom and trust in the Lord.
There are five additional sections or themes in the balance of Proverbs 22.
In verses 22-23, Solomon warns against taking advantage of the poor and oppressed just because of their condition.
In verses 24-25, Solomon warns about associating with violent, wrathful (vengeful) people or you may become like them.
In verses 26-27, Solomon warns not to put up security for other’s debts and risk the loss of your own property.
In verse 28, Do not steal property by moving property boundary stones.
In verse 29, Solomon says skilled; diligent workers will be noticed by the king(leaders).
Proverbs 23
Proverbs 23 continues the group of sayings focused on increasing wisdom and trust in the Lord.
There are thirteen additional sections or themes in Proverbs 23.
In verses 1-3, Solomon says it is good to show restraint when dining with rulers. Be aware of your surroundings and the occasion and don’t be a glutton. A deceptive host may be entertaining you in order to get something from you.
In verses 4-5, Solomon suggests that life is about more than money and possessions. Don’t work just for the sake of acquiring wealth because it can disappear quickly.
In verses 6-8, Solomon warns about desiring what a greedy, stingy person has because they are deceptive and insincere.
In verse 9, Solomon says it is best to avoid fools because no matter what you say they will reject wisdom.
In verses 10-11, Solomon warns not to move a property boundary stone (it is stealing) because God sees what you are doing.
In verses 12, Solomon wise people apply themselves to learn and listen to words of knowledge.
In verses 13-14, Solomon says it is important to discipline our children, including physical discipline when necessary because it will save the child from spiritual death.
In verses 15-16, Solomon addresses his son saying if his son is wise, then he will be glad and he will exult in his son’s honesty.
In verses 17-18, Solomon exhorts his son to fear the Lord and trust in Him for his future.
In verses 19-21, Solomon addresses his son, telling him not to associate with drunkards and gluttons. They will come to poverty because they are undisciplined.
In verses 22-25, Solomon tells his son to listen to him and honor his mother. To focus his life on getting wisdom, instruction, and understanding because a wise son makes a father proud.
In verses 26-28, Solomon tells his son to focus his heart and eyes on his ways (wisdom), to avoid the lure of the adulteress.
In verses 29-35, Solomon warns of the effects of drinking to excess. Such drinking causes woe, sorrow, strife, complaining, wounds (from fights), and bloodshot eyes (hangovers). He warns his son not to be tempted by drinking; don’t even look upon it because the consequence is deadly.
Proverbs 24
Proverbs 24 continues the group of sayings focused on increasing wisdom and trust in the Lord.
There are eighteen additional sections or themes in Proverbs 24:1-22
In verses 1-2, Solomon repeats instructions to his son given in Proverbs 1:10-19 to not be envious of evil men or even be around them because they are violent troublemakers.
In verses 3-4, Solomon, a good home is the result of wise planning, and intimate knowledge of family members makes it a place of joy.
In verses 5-6, Solomon says a wise man is strong, and knowledge makes him stronger. With a number of wise counselors, there is a victory.
In verse 7, Solomon warns that fools do not have wisdom and they do not provide sound judgment.
In verses 8-9, Solomon identifies those who plan to do evil as sinful schemers; who reject the wisdom of God (scoffers).
In verse 10, Solomon says those who faint during a trial (face adversity) are weak
In verse 11-12, Solomon says a leader we should rescue those who face oppression because God watches over us and knows our hearts.
In verse 13-14, Solomon addresses his son directly telling him to eat honey because it is healthy, just as wisdom is good for your soul.
In verse 15-16, Solomon warns not to mistreat or attack the righteous (God’s people), as the wicked people are inclined to do because God restores the righteous.
In verse 17-18, Solomon says not to rejoice when your enemy stumbles and falls because it is God who gave you victory.
In verse 19-20, Solomon says for the third time (23:17, 24:1) not to worry about or envy the wicked because the Lord will judge them.
In verse 21-22, Solomon addresses his son directly exhorting him to fear the Lord and to avoid those who do not fear the Lord because disaster will certainly come to them.
In verses 23-25, Solomon warns judges (rulers, leaders) not to show favoritism, not to call the wicked right, but to rebuke the wicked and receive a blessing.
In verse 26, Solomon says being truthful shows you care for someone.
In verse 27, Solomon says it is important to establish priorities; do your outside work in the fields, then build your house.
In verse 28, Solomon says not to testify against another unless you have good cause and then testify honestly.
In verse 29, Solomon warns against planning or taking revenge on someone who has hurt you.
In verse 30-34, Solomon warns again about being lazy. He gives an example of the sluggard doesn’t work his field, it becomes overgrown with weeds, and he ends up in poverty because he has no crops.
