Proverbs 22:17 - Meaning and Application

Solomon now changes the way he speaks. From Proverbs 10 on, he mostly laid down truths and only now and then added a word of advice, leaving readers to apply it for themselves. Here, through the end of Proverbs 24, he speaks more directly to his son, his student, his reader, and his listener, almost as if he were speaking to one person. This change helps wake us up and keeps us from hearing the same kind of teaching in only one way.

Ministers should not be content to preach before people. They should preach to them, and even speak as if to each person, saying, “Do this,” and “Avoid that.” That is the way Wisdom often teaches us, because she uses many methods so we do not grow tired of one. Here we have a serious call to get wisdom and grace by listening to the words of wise people, whether written or spoken. That includes the words of the prophets and priests, and especially the knowledge Solomon gives about good and evil, sin and duty, rewards and punishments.

We must bow our ear in humility and careful attention, and we must give our heart to what we hear with faith, love, and close thought. The ear alone is not enough without the heart. The things Solomon teaches are not small or trivial, meant only for amusement or to pass the time. They are excellent things that concern God’s honor, the holiness and happiness of our souls, and the good of all people and communities.

They are princely things, fit for kings to speak about and for rulers to hear. They are things of counsel and knowledge, wise advice about the most important matters. They do not just make us wise ourselves, they also help us give good advice to others. They are also made clear to us. They are openly known, plainly known, and made known now more fully in this day of light and knowledge. Yet that light may not last long. What is shown to us today may be hidden from our eyes tomorrow if we do not make use of it while we can.

These truths are written down for certainty, so they can be kept safely and handed on to later generations. But the main emphasis is this, they are made known to you, even to you, and written for you, as if by name. They fit your case. In them you can see your own face, and by them you must be judged. We cannot say of these things, “They are good, but they are nothing to us.” They concern us in the highest degree.

They are also pleasing to those who take them into their hearts. If we keep them within us, digest them, and let them shape us, they will bring steady delight. Outward religion, when it is only a show, is a burden. But those who submit to the true power of godliness, and make it a matter of the heart, find real pleasure in it (Proverbs 2:10). These truths also suit our speech. They fit our lips. If we speak of them, we speak in a way that suits our calling and character, and we find joy in speaking of them as well as in thinking about them.

God wrote these things for our good. They are not like commands a master gives only for his own benefit. They are like lessons a teacher gives a student, all meant for the student’s good. We are to keep these words so that we may trust the Lord more fully (Proverbs 22:19). We cannot truly trust God unless we walk in the way of duty, so we are taught our duty in order that we may have good reason to trust him. Indeed, learning to depend on and delight in God is itself one of the great duties we must learn.

These words are also given so that we may be sure of our own judgment. We are to know the certainty of the words of truth, to tell truth from falsehood, and to know the grounds on which we believe God’s truth. It is a good thing to know not only the words of truth, but also their certainty, so our faith may be thoughtful and sound, and grow into full assurance. One sure way to know that certainty is to do God’s will, for if anyone does his will, he will know whether the teaching is from God (John 7:17).

Finally, these truths are given so that we may be useful to others. We should be able to give a good answer to those who ask us for guidance, whether they come to us for counsel like an oracle, or send us on business as an agent or ambassador. Knowledge is given so we can do good with it. Others may light their candle at our lamp, and we may serve our generation in our place according to God’s will. Those who carefully keep God’s commandments will be best able to explain the hope that is in them.