Read Proverbs 22:22–23:11
Questions from the Scripture text: What does Proverbs 22:22a forbid? Why would the wise man’s son be tempted to do this? What does verse 22b forbid? Where? Why—Who will plead their cause (Proverbs 22:23a)? What will He plunder from them (verse 23b)? With whom must the son make no friendship (Proverbs 22:24a)? What else shouldn’t he do with him (verse 24b)? Lest he do what (Proverbs 22:25a)? With what effect (verse 25b)? What shouldn’t the son become (Proverbs 22:26a)? What would this hand-shaking make him (verse 26b)? Under what circumstances (Proverbs 22:27a)? And risking what (verse 27b)? What else mustn’t the wise man’s son do (Proverbs 22:28a)? Who had set it (verse 28b)? To whom does Proverbs 22:29a call the son’s attention? Before whom will this man stand (verse 29b)? And before whom won’t he (verse 29c)? What else might the son do with a ruler (Proverbs 23:1a)? What should he note (verse 1b)? And do what (Proverbs 23:2a)? In what case (verse 2b)? What mustn’t he do (Proverbs 23:3a)? Why (verse 3b)? What mustn’t they do, in search of what (Proverbs 23:4a)? What must they exercise (verse 4b)? With what effect? What rhetorical question does Proverbs 23:5a ask about riches? Why—what do riches do (verse 5b–c)? Whose bread shouldn’t the son eat (Proverbs 23:6a)? Nor desire what (verse 6b)? Why—what is the truth about this man (Proverbs 23:7a)? What does he say (verse 7b)? But what is the reality (verse 7c)? What will be wasted (Proverbs 23:8)? What else would be wasted—to whom else ought the son not speak, and why not (Proverbs 23:9)? What does Proverbs 23:10a, again, forbid (cf. Proverbs 22:28)? And what does Proverbs 23:10b forbid? Why—Who is mighty (Proverbs 23:11a)? And what will He do (verse 11b)?
What must we note? Proverbs 22:22–23:11 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must note before whom we stand.
The first of the thirty sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21) told us the purpose of the sayings of the wise, and how to attend upon them unto that purpose. Now, the next ten sayings are bookended by the second (Proverbs 22:22-23) and the eleventh (Proverbs 23:10–11). The similar warning—that we must deal with others, in this world, as those who stand before God—both identifies them as the bookends and establishes the broader theme of the section: take note of before whom you stand.
Take note that you stand, always, before the Lord (Proverbs 22:22-23, Proverbs 23:10–11). It may seem like you can get away with robbing the poor, because in his poverty, he lacks others to stand up for him (Proverbs 22:22a). And it may seem that you can get away with oppressing the afflicted at the gate, for the same reason (verse 22b). But, plundering their goods is foolish, when it will cost you YHWH’s plundering of your soul, when He pleads their cause (Proverbs 22:23). In all of your dealings with men, remember that you stand before YHWH.
Take note, when you stand before an angry man (Proverbs 22:24-25). Don’t keep company with those given to anger (Proverbs 22:24). The danger that he might attack you. It’s that you might become like him (Proverbs 22:25). Anger is a trap you set for your own soul (verse 25b).
Take note, when you stand before an opportunist (Proverbs 22:26-27). Those who lend to make a profit will take advantage of you. So neither enter into such an agreement yourself (Proverbs 22:26a), nor be the guarantee for someone else (verse 26b). If you are not able to be the benevolent lender for your friend (Proverbs 22:27a), then don’t risk what you couldn’t afford to give in the first place (verse 27b).
Take note that you stand before God and history (Proverbs 22:28). The fourth of these ten matches the last one (cf. Proverbs 23:10): do not move the ancient landmark. By sliding a boundary stone just a tiny bit each year, over time one could steal a great deal of property. Here, the reference is especially to the establishing of those boundaries in the time of the fathers. God Himself had apportioned the land to them by lots. We must take note, both of the fact that we are always standing before the Lord, and of our place and participation in history.
Take note of how you appear before a ruler (pt 1, Proverbs 22:29). This is the only positive saying of these ten. The rest are warnings. The idea here is to do everything we do excellently—not only because we are before the Lord, but because He has also set kings over nations. The man in verse 29 excels to the point that he stands before kings (plural). Multiple monarchs bid for his services.
Take note of how you appear before a ruler (pt 2, Proverbs 23:1–3). When you’re in front of a ruler, a meal (Proverbs 23:1a) is more than just a meal (Proverbs 23:3b). In front of a ruler, everything is a test. Proverbs 23:2a is an exaggeration (like the plucking out of an eye, or cutting off of a hand, cf. Matthew 5:29–30). The point is that it would be better not to eat at all than to reveal yourself as one who lacks self-control. Employ your mind to control your desires.
Take note of the true nature of the wealth you seek (Proverbs 23:4-5). Wealth has its usefulness, when the Lord gives it, but wealth itself is not the goal, nor is it guaranteed. Employ your understanding. Take note of the fact that earthly riches are not to be trusted in (Proverbs 23:5a), because they cannot be kept (verse 5b–c).
Take note, when you stand before the evil-eyed (Proverbs 23:6-8). “Evil-eyed” is more literal than “miser” in Proverbs 23:6a. The world is full of those who say one thing with their mouths (Proverbs 23:7b), but are exactly opposite in their hearts (verse 7a, c). Again, employ your mind to control your desires (Proverbs 23:6b, Proverbs 23:8a). And don’t waste words on the hypocrite (verse 8b).
Take note, when you stand before the fool (Proverbs 23:9). Another person upon whom not to waste words is the fool (verse 9). Don’t speak just to speak. Be mindful of who hears you.
How do you remember that you’re before the Lord? What angry, opportunists, rulers, hypocrites, fools do you encounter?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for how Your worship reminds us that we are always before You. Grant that Your Spirit would keep us mindful of that, and that we would have wisdom to perceive others before whom we stand, in Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH164 “God Himself Is with Us”
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