Proverbs 22:20

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 22:20

Have not I written to thee excellent things ,.... In the Scriptures. Some render it, "three things" F3 שלשים "terna", Montanus, Vatablus, so Jarchi. ; 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" F4 τριαρως , Sept.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 22:16-22

(See homily on Proverbs 22:28 .)—C. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 22:17-21

The introduction to this first appendix, containing an exhortation to attend to the words of the wise, an outline of the instruction herein imparted, with a reference to teaching already given. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 22:17-21

The words of the wise to be taken to heart I. THEY YIELD DIVINE PLEASURE ( Proverbs 22:18 .) And all the pleasure of the world is not to be weighed against it. Let those who have "tasted of the good Word of God" bear their witness. The human soul is made for truth, and delights in it. There is pleasure in grasping a mathematical demonstration or a scientific law; and the successful inquirer may shout his "Eureka!" with joy over every fresh discovery. But above all, "how charming... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

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 22:20

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

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