Proverbs is filled with so many important lessons. Each chapter is bursting with a plethora of essential subject matter — simple and timeless truths by which we can live.
Here are just five truths from Proverbs 22 that can help us build our faith, while navigating the complexities of life:
1. A good name is better than riches
In our “look at me” social media era, the quest for “likes” and shares can sometimes lead us down the wrong path. But Proverbs 22:1 makes it clear that a good name is more profitable than any potential riches. The scripture reads, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
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2. God loves the poor
One theme in the Bible and specifically embedded in Proverbs is the reality that God loves the poor, and pledges to protect those in need. Proverbs 22:2 reminds us that both the rich and poor were created by the same God (“Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.”).
Verse 16 deals with oppression, proclaiming that “one who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich — both come to poverty.”
3. Generosity matters
We know that being a good person and being generous to those in need matters, but Proverbs 22:9 reaffirms this, noting that the generous “will themselves be blessed.” The verse emphasizes the importance of giving to the poor and those in need.
4. Humility is essential
Proverbs 22:4 affirms the importance of being humble and having a healthy fear of the Lord (i.e. Remembering that God is our Creator and that we’re accountable to Him). The verse reads, “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”
5. Raising children right matters — big time
Parenting is one of the hardest and most rewarding jobs on the planet. Many Christians worry that their kids won’t end up following the faith — especially living in an increasingly secular culture.
But Solomon tells us in Proverbs 22:6 that if we start our kids off the right way, then their futures will surely be bright. The verse reads, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
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