John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 22:17
Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise ,.... Here begins a new part or division of this book. According to some, the "third"; the "first" ending with Proverbs 9:18 , the "second" at Proverbs 22:16 , and a "third", beginning here, and ending with Proverbs 24:34 . It is certain that what follows from hence to the end of that is written in another style, by way of exhortation, caution; and instruction, and is directed to particular persons: as here an exhortation is made to... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 22:17-21
Solomon here changes his style and manner of speaking. Hitherto, for the most part, since the beginning of Prov. 10:1; he had laid down doctrinal truths, and but now and then dropped a word of exhortation, leaving us to make the application as we went along; but here, to the end of Prov. 22:17-24:34; he directs his speech to his son, his pupil, his reader, his hearer, speaking as to a particular person. Hitherto, for the most part, his sense was comprised in one verse, but here usually it is... read more