Psalms 22
Proverbs 22 is made up of a variety of lessons that, as a whole, emphasize the wisdom for life and moral values. The first part (verses 1–16) presents a series of short proverbs in succession, mainly dealing with character and possessions, humility and pride, instruction and discipline, and matters of justice and fairness. The later part (verses 17–29) corresponds to the opening of "the sayings of the wise," urging the reader to set their heart on learning wisdom and to follow it. In other words, Proverbs 22 highlights the importance of carefulness and honesty, as well as making the right choices, in many different situations of life.
1verseFor the Chief Musician; set to “The Doe of the Morning.” A Psalm by David. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?
2verseMy God, I cry in the daytime, but you don’t answer; in the night season, and am not silent.
3verseBut you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel.
4verseOur fathers trusted in you. They trusted, and you delivered them.
5verseThey cried to you, and were delivered. They trusted in you, and were not disappointed.
6verseBut I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised by the people.
7verseAll those who see me mock me. They insult me with their lips. They shake their heads, saying,
8verse“He trusts in the LORD. Let him deliver him. Let him rescue him, since he delights in him.”
9verseBut you brought me out of the womb. You made me trust while at my mother’s breasts.
10verseI was thrown on you from my mother’s womb. You are my God since my mother bore me.
11verseDon’t be far from me, for trouble is near. For there is no one to help.
12verseMany bulls have surrounded me. Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.
13verseThey open their mouths wide against me, lions tearing prey and roaring.
14verseI am poured out like water. All my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax. It is melted within me.
15verseMy strength is dried up like a potsherd. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have brought me into the dust of death.
16verseFor dogs have surrounded me. A company of evildoers have enclosed me. They have pierced my hands and feet.
17verseI can count all of my bones. They look and stare at me.
18verseThey divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.
19verseBut don’t be far off, LORD. You are my help. Hurry to help me!
20verseDeliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog.
21verseSave me from the lion’s mouth! Yes, you have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen.
22verseI will declare your name to my brothers. Among the assembly, I will praise you.
23verseYou who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify him! Stand in awe of him, all you descendants of Israel!
24verseFor he has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, neither has he hidden his face from him; but when he cried to him, he heard.
25verseMy praise of you comes in the great assembly. I will pay my vows before those who fear him.
26verseThe humble shall eat and be satisfied. They shall praise the LORD who seek after him. Let your hearts live forever.
27verseAll the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD. All the relatives of the nations shall worship before you.
28verseFor the kingdom is the LORD’s. He is the ruler over the nations.
29verseAll the rich ones of the earth shall eat and worship. All those who go down to the dust shall bow before him, even he who can’t keep his soul alive.
30versePosterity shall serve him. Future generations shall be told about the Lord.
31verseThey shall come and shall declare his righteousness to a people that shall be born, for he has done it.
Summary of the Key Content
- Character and honor: In verse 1, it urges you to choose honor over many riches and favor over silver and gold.
- The poor and the rich: It reminds everyone that God made them all in the same way, and it encourages humility regardless of whether one is wealthy or poor.
- Wise discipline: In verse 6, it emphasizes the importance of teaching a child the way they should go—instilling the right values from an early age.
- Justice and humility: It advises repeatedly to guard against wrongdoing and that a humble way of life ultimately brings blessing.
- The sayings of the wise: From verse 17 onward, the proverbs’ instruction becomes even deeper, and the exhortation continues—listen, take it to heart, and put it into practice.
Meditation Points
- What are true worth and honor?
- In the face of wealth and poverty, and social differences, what attitude should I maintain?
- Consider why it is important to listen to the words of wisdom and keep them in your heart, and think about how you can put them into practice in your daily life.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Rather than possessions or external success, check for yourself whether you prefer an attitude that seeks good character and honor.
- Plan concretely how you can practice humility, justice, and an attitude of learning in the various moments of life.
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