Proverbs 22:19-21

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 22:20

Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge? There is a difficulty about the word tendered "excellent things." The Khetib has שׁלשׁום , "the day before yesterday, formerly;" but the word occurs nowhere alone, and, as Nowack says, can hardly have been the original reading. However, Ewald, Bertheau, and others, adopting it, suppose that the author refers to some earlier work. Cheyne cites Bickell's rendering, "Now, years before now, have I written unto thee long... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 22:20-21

Certainty I. THE TRUTH SEEKER DESIRES CERTAINTY . With him "the certainty of the words of truth" is the great object sought after. 1 . Certainty must be distinguished from positiveness. Doubt is often violent in assertion, as though to silence the opposition that cannot be answered. We may be very positive without being at all certain. 2 . Certainty must be distinguished from certitude. Certitude is the feeling of certainty. Now, we may feel no doubt on a subject, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 22:21

That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth. The object intended is to teach the disciple the fixed rule ( firmitatem, Vulgate) by which truthful words are guided (see Luke 1:4 ). Septuagint, "I therefore teach thee a true word and knowledge good to learn." That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee. This implies that the pupil will be enabled to teach others who apply to him for instruction; "will be ready." as St. Peter says,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 22:19-21

Proverbs 22:19-21. That thy trust may be in the Lord That, knowing God, and his word and promises, thou mayest cheerfully and confidently trust in him, which is the only way to thy safety and happiness. I have made known to thee this day More fully than ever before; in this day of light and knowledge; in this thy day, the day of thy merciful visitation; excellent things שׁלישׁים , princely things, or leading things, “words fit for a prince to speak,” says Bishop Patrick, “and the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 22:17-29

22:17-24:34 SAYINGS OF THE WISEThe correct use of proverbs (22:17-29)In this section the sayings are longer and often cover several verses, whereas in the previous section each verse was usually a separate proverb. The section begins with an appeal to the disciples to listen carefully to the instruction, to memorize it and to put it to practical use. It will strengthen their trust in God and give them the ability to answer correctly anyone who questions them concerning what is right and true... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 22:19

trust = confidence. Hebrew. batah . See App-69 . be = come to be. thee. Note the emphasis on the second person. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 22:20

to thee = for thee. See the Structure (p. 891). excellent things. Hebrew margin reads "formerly", or "before". In = With. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 22:21

words = sayings, or utterances. Hebrew. 'imrah. See App-73 . send unto = inquire of. Illustration: the queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:0 ). read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 22:20

"Have not I written unto the excellent things of counsels and knowledge, To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, That thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?"This concludes the introduction to the words of the wise men, the first of the "thirty words" beginning in Proverbs 22:22. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Proverbs 22:20

Proverbs 22:20. Have not I written to thee excellent things— Many of the ancient versions read threefold things, in which they are followed by Schultens and Grotius. The Jews distinguished philosophy under three branches; morality, physics, and divinity. Solomon wrote in all these branches, as appears from 1 Kings 4:0 but most of his writings are lost. This and the book of Ecclesiastes contain what he wrote in morality or ethics. His discourses on plants and animals relate to physics, and the... read more

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