Proverbs 22:20

20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,

Images for Proverbs 22:20

Proverbs 22:20 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
English Standard Version (ESV)
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge,
New Living Translation (NLT)
20 I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge.
The Message Bible (MSG)
20 I'm giving you thirty sterling principles - tested guidelines to live by.
American Standard Version (ASV)
20 Have not I written unto thee excellent things Of counsels and knowledge,
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
20 Didn't I write to you previously with advice and knowledge
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
20 Haven't I written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge,
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
20 I have written 30 sayings for you. They will give you knowledge and good advice.

Proverbs 22:20 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 22:20

Have not I written to thee excellent things
In the Scriptures. Some render it, "three things" F3; and think that Solomon refers to the three divisions of the Scriptures among the Jews, the law, the prophets, and holy writings; so Jarchi; but some of those writings then were not: or to the three books wrote by him; the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. Others render it, "in a threefold way" F4, as the Targum and several versions; that is, in various ways, in different forms and styles, in order the better to inform and instruct. But it is best, with Kimchi, Gersom, and Ben Melech, to render it, "excellent things", as we do; such are the truths of the Gospel; they are more excellent than those that are only known by the light of nature, or by the law of Moses: such as suspect the love and grace of God; the person and offices of Christ; peace, pardon, righteousness, atonement, life and salvation, by him. And these are said to lie in counsels and knowledge;
in disclosing the counsels of God, according to which they are; in giving the best of counsels to men; to perishing sinners, to look to Christ for salvation; to naked ones, to buy of him white raiment, or the robe of his righteousness; to guilty and filthy ones, to apply to his blood for pardon and cleansing; to hungry and thirsty ones, to come unto him for food, the bread of life, and water of life; and to weary ones, to him for rest; and all to do their duty both to God and men: and they also respect knowledge; the knowledge of divine and heavenly things; the knowledge of God in Christ, and of his perfections, as displayed in his salvation; the knowledge of Christ, what he is in himself, what he has done for his people, and is unto them; and especially the knowledge of salvation by him; all which the Gospel is a means of.


FOOTNOTES:

F3 (Myvlv) "terna", Montanus, Vatablus, so Jarchi.
F4 (triarwv) , Sept. "tripticiter", V. L. and Arabic version; "tribus vicibus", Baynus, Targum and Syriac version; "triplici filo et nexa", Schultens; "triplicata", Cocceius.

Proverbs 22:20 In-Context

18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve?
22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,
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