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Proverbs Chapter Study

A Good Name Is Rather to Be Chosen Than Great Riches

Proverbs 22 (KJV)

Proverbs 22 teaches the value of a good name, humility, the fear of the LORD, wise instruction, generosity, discipline, justice, and guarding the heart. Solomon warns against debt, laziness, oppression, foolish companions, moving ancient landmarks, and trusting in riches instead of the LORD.

What You’ll Learn

• Why a good name is more valuable than great riches
• How humility and the fear of the LORD lead to life, riches, and honor
• Why wise parents must train and correct their children
• How debt can become a form of bondage
• Why generosity toward the poor brings blessing
• How wise instruction protects the heart and lips
• Why diligence brings a person before kings

Wisdom values a good name above wealth, walks in humility and the fear of the LORD, trains the next generation, protects the poor, receives instruction, and works with diligence before God.

Bible Translation Note Scripture Verse-by-Verse Study Chapter Synopsis Prayer Personal Application Weekly Actions Chapter Summary

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Proverbs 22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

Proverbs 22:5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Proverbs 22:8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

Proverbs 22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Proverbs 22:10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

Proverbs 22:11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

Proverbs 22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

Proverbs 22:13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

Proverbs 22:14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Proverbs 22:16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

Proverbs 22:17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

Proverbs 22:18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

Proverbs 22:19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

Proverbs 22:20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

Proverbs 22:21 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?

Proverbs 22:22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

Proverbs 22:23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

Proverbs 22:24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

Proverbs 22:25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

Proverbs 22:26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

Proverbs 22:27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

Proverbs 22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

Proverbs 22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Study: A good name and loving favor are worth more than wealth. Spiritually, character matters more than possessions. Practically, wisdom protects reputation, integrity, and trust because money cannot replace a life marked by honor.

Proverbs 22:2

The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

Study: Rich and poor stand before the same Creator. Spiritually, human worth is not measured by wealth. Practically, wisdom treats people with dignity because the LORD made them all.

Proverbs 22:3

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Study: The prudent see danger and take wise action, but the simple keep walking into harm. Spiritually, wisdom pays attention to warning signs. Practically, discernment means avoiding avoidable trouble before it becomes consequence.

Proverbs 22:4

By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

Study: Humility and the fear of the LORD lead to true blessing. Spiritually, God honors those who bow before Him. Practically, wisdom chooses reverence and humility over pride, self-promotion, and rebellion.

Proverbs 22:5

Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

Study: The crooked path is filled with thorns and traps. Spiritually, sin creates danger around the soul. Practically, guarding your life means staying far from twisted ways, not seeing how close you can get.

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Study: Children need intentional training in the right way. Spiritually, parents and leaders are called to shape hearts toward wisdom. Practically, consistent instruction, example, correction, and encouragement matter deeply in the next generation.

Proverbs 22:7

The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Study: Debt can create bondage and limit freedom. Spiritually, wisdom understands the weight of financial obligation. Practically, borrowing should be handled carefully because owing money can place a person under another’s power.

Proverbs 22:8

He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

Study: The one who sows sin will harvest emptiness. Spiritually, unrighteousness cannot produce lasting fruit. Practically, anger, oppression, and wicked schemes eventually collapse under God’s justice.

Proverbs 22:9

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Study: Generosity brings blessing. Spiritually, God honors the person who sees need and gives with compassion. Practically, a bountiful eye looks for ways to help rather than excuses to withhold.

Proverbs 22:10

Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

Study: Removing a scorner removes much conflict. Spiritually, mockery and pride poison fellowship. Practically, some environments do not need more debate; they need wise boundaries against destructive people.

Proverbs 22:11

He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

Study: Purity of heart and gracious speech bring favor. Spiritually, words flow from the condition of the heart. Practically, wisdom speaks with grace, and such speech can open doors with people in authority.

Proverbs 22:12

The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

Study: The LORD preserves truth and overthrows deceit. Spiritually, God watches over knowledge that is right and faithful. Practically, lies may spread for a time, but the LORD is able to bring false words down.

Proverbs 22:13

The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

Study: Laziness invents excuses to avoid work. Spiritually, fear can become a cover for disobedience. Practically, wisdom recognizes the difference between real caution and exaggerated excuses that keep a person inactive.

Proverbs 22:14

The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

Study: Seductive words can become a deep trap. Spiritually, sin often begins with what sounds appealing. Practically, wisdom avoids voices, relationships, and invitations that pull the heart away from God.

Proverbs 22:15

Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Study: Children are not born wise and need correction. Spiritually, loving discipline helps drive foolishness away from the heart. Practically, correction should be purposeful, faithful, and aimed at shaping a child toward wisdom.

Proverbs 22:16

He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

Study: Oppressing the poor and favoring the rich lead to lack. Spiritually, God opposes unjust gain and partiality. Practically, wealth built on exploitation is not secure before the LORD.

Proverbs 22:17

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

Study: Wisdom requires humble listening and heart application. Spiritually, truth must be received, not merely heard. Practically, learning becomes life-changing when the heart bends toward instruction and obedience.

Proverbs 22:18

For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

Study: Wisdom kept in the heart becomes wisdom spoken from the lips. Spiritually, God’s truth should live inside a person. Practically, the words you store in your heart shape the words you speak to others.

Proverbs 22:19

That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

Study: The purpose of wisdom is trust in the LORD. Spiritually, instruction should move the heart toward God, not merely self-improvement. Practically, biblical wisdom teaches us to depend on the LORD in real decisions.

Proverbs 22:20

Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

Study: Solomon presents wisdom as excellent counsel and knowledge. Spiritually, God’s instruction is not shallow advice; it is worthy truth. Practically, wisdom should be valued, studied, remembered, and used as counsel for life.

Proverbs 22:21

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?

Study: Wisdom gives certainty in truth and prepares a person to answer rightly. Spiritually, truth is knowable because God has spoken. Practically, those who learn wisdom can give faithful answers when others need counsel.

Proverbs 22:22

Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

Study: God forbids taking advantage of the poor and afflicted. Spiritually, the vulnerable are not invisible to the LORD. Practically, wisdom refuses to exploit people simply because they lack power or defense.

Proverbs 22:23

For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

Study: The LORD Himself defends the oppressed. Spiritually, God sees injustice and pleads the cause of the vulnerable. Practically, taking advantage of the weak is dangerous because it brings a person into conflict with God.

Proverbs 22:24

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

Study: Wisdom avoids close friendship with angry and furious people. Spiritually, relationships shape the soul. Practically, constant exposure to anger can normalize destructive behavior and pull a person into unnecessary trouble.

Proverbs 22:25

Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

Study: Angry companions can teach angry ways and trap the soul. Spiritually, influence is powerful. Practically, choose close relationships carefully because repeated exposure can train your reactions, speech, and habits.

Proverbs 22:26

Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

Study: Solomon warns against reckless financial pledges and becoming surety for debts. Spiritually, wisdom avoids foolish obligations. Practically, do not lightly guarantee what you may not be able to pay.

Proverbs 22:27

If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

Study: Debt obligations can cost a person what is basic and necessary. Spiritually, wisdom counts the cost before making promises. Practically, financial carelessness can remove peace, stability, and even daily provision.

Proverbs 22:28

Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

Study: Ancient landmarks protected rightful boundaries and inheritance. Spiritually, wisdom respects what is just, established, and entrusted. Practically, do not manipulate boundaries, records, agreements, or inheritance for selfish gain.

Proverbs 22:29

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Study: Diligence brings honor and opportunity. Spiritually, faithful work matters to God. Practically, skill, consistency, and excellence can place a person before leaders and open doors that laziness never will.

Proverbs 22 teaches that a good name and loving favor are more valuable than silver, gold, or great riches. The chapter calls the wise to humility, the fear of the LORD, prudence, generosity, discipline, and diligence. Solomon warns that the borrower becomes servant to the lender, that laziness makes excuses, that angry companions can trap the soul, and that oppressing the poor brings judgment from the LORD. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of receiving the words of the wise, applying the heart to knowledge, knowing the certainty of truth, and giving faithful answers. It closes by honoring the diligent person who works with excellence and stands before kings.

Lord, teach me to value a good name more than riches. Give me humility, the fear of the LORD, and wisdom to see danger before I walk into it. Help me train what has been entrusted to me, give generously to the poor, reject laziness and excuses, and avoid angry influences. Keep my heart open to wise instruction, fit truth into my lips, and make my trust rest in You. Help me work with diligence, integrity, and excellence before You. Amen.

• Read Proverbs 22 every day this week
• Memorize Proverbs 22:1, Proverbs 22:4, Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 22:9, Proverbs 22:17, or Proverbs 22:29
• Ask the LORD to show you one area where your character needs strengthening
• Review one financial commitment in light of Proverbs 22:7 and Proverbs 22:26-27
• Give generously to someone in need this week
• Identify one angry or foolish influence you need to set boundaries with
• Do one task with extra diligence and excellence before the LORD

Proverbs 22 is a chapter about reputation, humility, discipline, generosity, justice, instruction, and diligence. It begins by teaching that a good name is better than great riches and that the LORD made both rich and poor. The chapter warns against foolishness, debt, oppression, laziness, angry companions, and dishonest boundary-moving. It calls the wise to train children, give to the poor, listen to wise words, apply the heart to knowledge, trust in the LORD, and speak words of truth. Proverbs 22 ends by showing that the diligent person will stand before kings, reminding readers that faithful work and godly character carry lasting value.

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