Proverbs 22:20-21
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?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just talking about "excellent things" in general; it highlights that these truths are carefully chosen, "principal things," like the elite warriors of ancient chariots, intended to be deeply impactful and instructive. This implies God's wisdom isn't haphazard but deliberately presented in profound ways for our understanding and guidance.
This passage is from the introduction of a collection of wise sayings, likely compiled by Solomon, intended to instruct a younger learner. The verses immediately preceding warn against listening to deceptive words, urging the listener to trust in the established wisdom found in God's word. This verse itself then highlights the "excellent things" – profound teachings that are trustworthy and foundational, presented in a way that provides both practical advice and deep understanding.
Ever wonder if the wisdom you read is just someone's opinion, or something more? This verse points to something solid and authoritative.
The opening of Proverbs 22:20 asks, 'Have not I written for you...?' This isn't just a rhetorical question. It's a powerful claim that the wisdom being presented isn't mere human speculation. The writer is asserting that these teachings are divinely inspired and recorded – God's very own words, carefully penned for us.
Think of it like a royal decree. When a king writes something, it carries immense weight and authority. So too, when God 'writes,' His words are meant to be received with reverence and trust, as they come from the ultimate source of truth and understanding. This emphasizes that the Book of Proverbs, and indeed all Scripture, is not just a collection of good advice, but a revelation from the Creator Himself.
Wisdom isn't just about knowing facts; it's about knowing how to live. What's the difference between counsel and knowledge here?
The verse specifies that what has been written are 'thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge.' This combination is key.
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Counsel:
This refers to practical advice, guidance, and instruction for navigating life's decisions and challenges. It's about knowing the right path to take, the wise way to act in different situations. Think of it as the 'how-to' guide for living.
Knowledge:
This points to understanding, insight, and the grasp of truth. It's the foundation upon which good counsel is built. Without knowledge, counsel can be misguided or ineffective. It’s the deep comprehension of principles and realities.
Together, they form a robust framework for a life well-lived. God's written wisdom provides both the understanding of what is true and good (knowledge) and the practical direction on how to live it out (counsel).
Understand the original words
ʿēṣâ · Hebrew Noun
Practical guidance, advice, or wisdom offered to steer a person toward righteous behavior and sound decision-making. It suggests the need for humble reception of wisdom from those further along in the journey of faith.
emet · Hebrew Noun
Refers to that which is reliable, faithful, and morally upright. In Scripture, it describes both the character of God and the standard to which He calls His people, often associated with truthfulness and trustworthiness.
This verse echoes the idea of Scripture as a guide, stating 'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,' highlighting the instructive and illuminating nature of God's written counsel.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7Similar to how Proverbs emphasizes written counsel, this passage instructs parents to diligently teach God's words to their children, showing the importance of integrating divine instruction into daily life.
Jeremiah 15:16This verse reveals the deep personal value of God's words, as Jeremiah declares, 'Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a great joy and the happiness of my heart,' reflecting the 'excellent things' of knowledge and counsel.
1 Corinthians 2:7Paul speaks of the 'hidden wisdom of God, which we are writing to you' to reveal God's 'counsel' and 'knowledge,' aligning with the idea that Scripture contains profound divine wisdom that surpasses human understanding.
jfbProverbs 22:20: "Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,"
- excellent things—or probably of former times.counsels and knowledge—both advice and instruction.
gillProverbs 22:20: "Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,"
Have not I written to thee excellent things,.... In the Scriptures. Some render it, "three things" (c); and think that Solomon refers to the three divisions of the Scriptures among the Jews, the law, the prophets, and holy writings; so Jarchi; but some of those writings then were not: or to the three books wrote by him; the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. Others render it, "in a threefold way" (d…
The verse isn't just talking about "excellent things" in general; it highlights that these truths are carefully chosen, "principal things," like the elite warriors of ancient chariots, intended to be deeply impactful and instructive. This implies God's wisdom isn't haphazard but deliberately presented in profound ways for our understanding and guidance.
This passage is from the introduction of a collection of wise sayings, likely compiled by Solomon, intended to instruct a younger learner. The verses immediately preceding warn against listening to deceptive words, urging the listener to trust in the established wisdom found in God's word. This verse itself then highlights the "excellent things" – profound teachings that are trustworthy and foundational, presented in a way that provides both practical advice and deep understanding.
This passage is from the introduction of a collection of wise sayings, likely compiled by Solomon, intended to instruct a younger learner. The verses immediately preceding warn against listening to deceptive words, urging the listener to trust in the established wisdom found in God's word. This verse itself then highlights the "excellent things" – profound teachings that are trustworthy and foundational, presented in a way that provides both practical advice and deep understanding.
"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?" — The verse isn't just talking about "excellent things" in general; it highlights that these truths are carefully chosen, "principal things," like the elite warriors of ancient chariots, intended to be…
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