What are the “words of the wise” that we are told to listen to?

The “words of the wise” in this passage are the sayings of wisdom that come from someone God has taught, often linked with Solomon. They are not just clever ideas or life tips. They are God-centered words that point the listener to trust in the Lord. The reader is urged to bow the ear, pay close attention, and then apply the heart, meaning to take these words inside, remember them, and let them shape life and speech. Keeping them within leads to stable faith and wise answers to others.

Why does this passage say the goal of wisdom is to trust in the Lord?

The passage explains that these teachings are given “that thy trust may be in the Lord.” Wisdom here is not mainly about success or clever living. It is meant to lead the heart toward God. As a person listens to these words of truth, holds them inside, and sees they are reliable, their confidence shifts away from themselves and toward God’s care and justice. Wisdom shows who God is, what He loves, and how He defends the weak. This draws the listener to rest on Him, not on their own plans or strength.

What does “rob not the poor, because he is poor” teach about God’s justice?

This command shows how strongly God cares for the weak. To rob the poor “because he is poor” is to take advantage of someone who cannot fight back. The passage says the Lord Himself will plead their cause and will rob the life of those who robbed them. So mistreating the poor is not just a social wrong, it is a direct offense against God. He sees the powerless, takes up their case, and promises to deal with those who oppress them. This warns us to act with mercy and fairness, especially toward those who are easy to abuse.

Why are we warned not to make friendship with an angry or furious man?

The passage tells us not to be close friends with an angry or hot-tempered person and not to walk with them. The reason is very practical: if you spend a lot of time with that kind of person, you will likely learn their ways and fall into a trap yourself. Their uncontrolled anger can shape your habits, words, and reactions. This is about guarding your own soul. It is not saying you can never speak to such a person, but it warns against close, shaping companionship with someone ruled by rage rather than by wisdom and self-control.

What does it mean not to be surety or to strike hands for debts?

To be surety or to strike hands for debts is to guarantee someone else’s borrowing, promising to pay if they cannot. This passage warns against taking on that risk when you do not have the means to cover it. The picture is stark: if you cannot pay, the lender may even take your bed from under you. The point is to use wisdom in financial dealings and not put yourself in danger through rash promises. It is not a ban on all help, but a warning about careless agreements that can bring ruin and leave you with nothing.

What is the meaning of “remove not the ancient landmark” in this passage?

The “ancient landmark” refers to fixed boundary markers that showed where one family’s land ended and another’s began. Moving them was a quiet way of stealing land and disturbing the inheritance passed down from the fathers. By saying, “remove not the ancient landmark,” the passage calls for respect for long-set boundaries, fair dealing, and the rights of others. It reminds people that land and inheritance are not just property but part of how God ordered community life. Shifting markers for gain shows greed and disrespect for both people and God’s order.

How should we understand the promise that the diligent will stand before kings?

The verse about a man diligent in his business says that such a person will stand before kings and not before obscure men. This paints a picture of someone careful, steady, and faithful in their work. The promise is that this kind of diligence is noticed and honored. In that setting, to stand before kings meant being trusted and given important tasks, not left in a low, hidden place. It teaches that hard, honest work is valuable and often leads to greater responsibility and respect, rather than quick shortcuts or lazy habits.

How do the warnings in this passage fit together as one message?

At first, the sayings call us to listen to wise words, keep them in the heart, and let them strengthen trust in the Lord. Then come short, clear warnings: do not rob the poor, do not be close to an angry man, do not take on unsafe debts, do not move landmarks, be diligent in work. All of these flow from the same root. A wise heart that fears God will treat people fairly, avoid harmful ties, act carefully with money, respect others’ rights, and work faithfully. The passage shows that trusting God shapes every part of daily life.

Prov.22.17

Proverbs 22:17

KJV

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

Thirty Sayings of the Wise

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

For the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.