# 33 2023 Prov. 22:6. Children: A Gift From God! Read all of chapter twenty two first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story! Do you believe that this is also our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.
Proverbs 21:6 “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 22, the first sixteen verses puts emphasis on personal conduct in God’s eyes using the two line couplet method. Verses seventeen – to twenty nine are six sayings of the wise.
Vs.1-5 “A good name is more desirable than riches…the rich and poor have this in common: The Lord God is the maker of them all.” There are those who are “prudent” those who are “simple.” “Humility is the fear of the Lord…” The “wicked” fall into “snares and pitfalls, stay far from them.” The words of the wise!
Vs.6-10 “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. The rich rule over the poor…Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity…The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.” The words of the responsible!
Vs.11-16 “One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend. The eyes of the Lord keep over knowledge…” The lazy have no end of excuses not to work. The “adulterous woman is a deep pit,” one falls into it by”the Lord’s wrath. Folly is bound up in the heart of the child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.” Amen and Amen! “ One who oppresses the poor… and one who gives gifts to the rich-both come to poverty.” An appeal for Love and Grace!
Vs.17-29 are six of thirty sayings of the wise.
A Summary. Saying One: is an introduction and purpose. Keep these sayings in your heart, “So that your trust may be in the Lord… teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth… to those you serve?” It is about service!
Saying Two: “Do not exploit…do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.” It is about fairness!
Saying Three: “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person…or you may learn their ways…” It is about prudence!
Saying Four: “Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge…” Do not put yourself at risk!
Saying Five: “Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors.” Do not break the law!
Saying Six: “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings…” Skilled workers are in high demand today. Develop your natural gifts and you will be gainfully employed. If you love your work it is not work!
© cgvanwyk, all rights reserved.
Heavenhigh 