United Commentaries

Pr.22.17-24.22

This section is ascribed to a group called the wise. Who they were is unknown. There is a reference to thirty sayings (22:20), and the wisdom sayings that follow can be divided into thirty sections that are similar to an Egyptian composition called the Instruction of Amenemope, which is also divided into thirty chapters.

Pr.23.1-3

Saying 6: Many proverbs address young men in government service. A ruler’s rich fare might tempt a novice to overindulge through lack of self-control. But he will be vulnerable when sated.

Pr.23.4-5

Saying 7: Riches can be God’s blessing (3:9-10, 15-16; 10:22), but there are other things in life that are more important.

Pr.23.6-8

Saying 8: Proverbs puts a high premium on generosity (11:24-26; 21:13; 22:9).

Pr.23.9

Saying 9: Fools ignore advice (cp. 9:7-12; 10:18), so the wise do not waste their breath (see Matt 7:6).

Pr.23.10-11

Saying 10: The wise avoid unfair business practices and illegitimate gains (see 22:28), knowing that the Lord will judge wrongdoing.

Redeemer: The NLT is probably correct in capitalizing the word Redeemer and identifying him with God, although a human redeemer might be intended.

Pr.23.12

Saying 11: listen carefully: Learning is the way to improve (see 10:17; 13:1, 10; 15:24, 31-32; 17:10; 19:24).

Pr.23.13-14

Saying 12: See 19:18; 29:17.

Pr.23.15-16

Saying 13: A wise parent will rejoice in a wise child (see 10:1).

Pr.23.17-18

Saying 14: Sometimes sinners prosper, but the wise will see that to fear the Lord is what ultimately rewards (see 1:7).

Pr.23.19-21

Saying 15: Discipline is necessary for living a wise and balanced life. Overindulgence in drink (drunkards, see also 23:29-35), food (gluttons, see also 23:1-3), or sleep (see also 10:5; 19:15) results in poverty.

Pr.23.22-25

Saying 16: This saying is an exhortation to pursue the wisdom that a godly father and mother provide. Unlike other ancient Near East wisdom texts, Proverbs attributes wisdom to both father and mother (1:8; 6:20).

Pr.23.26-28

Saying 17: Falling for a promiscuous woman is a trap, not a source of benefit. Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes avoiding sexual relations outside of marriage (see ch 5; 6:20-35; 7:1-27).

Pr.23.29-35

Saying 18: This extended saying portrays the foolishness of the person who overindulges in alcohol (see 20:1).