Proverbs 22:21
New International Version
teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve?

New Living Translation
In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you.

English Standard Version
to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

Berean Standard Bible
to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?

King James Bible
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?

New King James Version
That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?

New American Standard Bible
To make you know the certainty of the words of truth, So that you may correctly answer him who sent you?

NASB 1995
To make you know the certainty of the words of truth That you may correctly answer him who sent you?

NASB 1977
To make you know the certainty of the words of truth That you may correctly answer to him who sent you?

Legacy Standard Bible
To make you know the veracity of the words of truth That you may respond with the words of truth to him who sent you?

Amplified Bible
To let you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may give a correct answer to him who sent you?

Christian Standard Bible
in order to teach you true and reliable words, so that you may give a dependable report to those who sent you?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
in order to teach you true and reliable words, so that you may give a dependable report to those who sent you?

American Standard Version
To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, That thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?

Contemporary English Version
You can trust them completely to give you the right words for those in charge of you.

English Revised Version
To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, that thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
in order to teach you the words of truth so that you can give an accurate report to those who send you?

Good News Translation
and will teach you what the truth really is. Then when you are sent to find it out, you will bring back the right answer.

International Standard Version
to teach you true and reliable advice, so you can give truthful answers to those who sent you?

Majority Standard Bible
to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?

NET Bible
to show you true and reliable words, so that you may give accurate answers to those who sent you?

New Heart English Bible
To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

Webster's Bible Translation
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 to thee?

World English Bible
To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
To cause you to know the certainty of sayings of truth, "" To return sayings of truth to those sending you.

Young's Literal Translation
To cause thee to know the certainty of sayings of truth, To return sayings of truth to those sending thee.

Smith's Literal Translation
To cause thee to know the truth of the words of truth; to turn back the words of truth to those sending thee?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
That I might shew thee the certainty, and the words of truth, to answer out of these to them that sent thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
so that I might reveal to you, firmly and with words of truth, in order to respond about these things to those who sent you.

New American Bible
To teach you truly how to give a dependable report to one who sends you?

New Revised Standard Version
to show you what is right and true, so that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
That I might make you know counsel and knowledge and peace and the words of truth; so that you could answer words of truth to him who might send to you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
That I may make known to you counsel, knowledge, stillness and the words of truth, that you may return the word of truth to him that sends you.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, That thou mightest bring back words of truth to them that send thee?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I therefore teach thee truth, and knowledge good to hear; that thou mayest answer words of truth to them that question thee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Thirty Sayings of the Wise
20Have I not written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge, 21to show you TRUE and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you? 22Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate,…

Cross References
John 17:17
Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.

Psalm 119:160
The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

John 8:32
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Psalm 19:7-9
The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. / The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous.

1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

1 Corinthians 2:13
And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

2 Peter 1:20-21
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. / For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 45:19
I have not spoken in secret, from a place in a land of darkness. I did not say to the descendants of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in a wasteland.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I say what is right.

Ephesians 4:21
Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him—in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus—

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Psalm 119:89
Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens.

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.


Treasury of Scripture

That I might make you know the certainty of the words of truth; that you might answer the words of truth to them that send to you?

I

Luke 1:3,4
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, …

John 20:31
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

1 John 5:13
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

answer

1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

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Answers Carry Cause Certainty Correctly Mayest Mightest Ones Questions Reliable Right Sayings Sending Show Sound Teach Teaching True. Truth Words
Proverbs 22
1. A good name is more desirable than great wealth














to show you
This phrase indicates the purpose of the instruction being given. In the Hebrew context, the verb "to show" (להודיעך, lehodiakha) implies a revealing or making known of something that was previously hidden or not fully understood. The wisdom literature of the Bible often seeks to illuminate the path of righteousness and understanding. The act of showing is not merely about imparting knowledge but about guiding the heart and mind towards divine truth.

true and reliable words
The Hebrew words for "true" (אמת, emet) and "reliable" (נכון, nakhon) emphasize the dependability and faithfulness of the teachings. "Emet" is a foundational concept in the Hebrew Bible, often associated with God's character and His covenantal faithfulness. "Nakhon" suggests something that is established, firm, and trustworthy. Together, these words assure the reader that the wisdom being imparted is not only accurate but also steadfast, providing a solid foundation for life.

that you may give
This phrase highlights the practical application of wisdom. The Hebrew verb "to give" (להשיב, lehashiv) in this context suggests a response or an answer. Wisdom is not meant to be hoarded but shared, reflecting the biblical principle of being a light to others. The ability to give an answer is a sign of understanding and maturity in one's faith journey.

a sound answer
The term "sound" (מענה, ma'aneh) in Hebrew conveys the idea of a response that is fitting, appropriate, and wise. It implies discernment and the ability to articulate one's beliefs and understanding clearly and effectively. In a world filled with confusion and conflicting messages, providing a sound answer is a testament to the transformative power of divine wisdom.

to those who sent you
This phrase suggests accountability and responsibility. In ancient times, being sent by someone often implied a mission or a task entrusted to the individual. The Hebrew context here may reflect the idea of being a representative or ambassador of truth. As Christians, this can be seen as a call to be ambassadors of Christ, carrying His message of truth and love to the world. The phrase underscores the importance of being prepared to give an account of one's faith and the wisdom one has received.

(21) That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?--This rendering is somewhat doubtful, but seems to give the best sense to the passage. The scholar is to be instructed not for his own profit alone, but in order that he may be able to teach others also. (Comp. 1Peter 3:15.)

Verse 21. - That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth. The object intended is to teach the disciple the fixed rule (firmitatem, Vulgate) by which truthful words are guided (see Luke 1:4). Septuagint, "I therefore teach thee a true word and knowledge good to learn." That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee. This implies that the pupil will be enabled to teach others who apply to him for instruction; "will be ready." as St. Peter says, "always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). But the last expression is better translated, "them that send thee;" illis qui miserunt te, Vulgate (see Proverbs 25:13); and we must conceive of these as being parents or tutors who send a youth to a school or wise man to be educated. The moralist expresses his desire that the disciple will carry home such wholesome, truthful doctrines as will prove that the pains expended upon him have not been useless. Septuagint, "That thou mayest answer words of truth to those who put questions to thee (τοῖς προβαλλομένοις σοι)" The Syriac adds, "That I may make known unto thee counsel and wisdom." Bickell's version (quoted by Cheyne) is, "That thou mayest know the rightness of these words, that thou mayest answer in true words to them that ask thee."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
to show you
לְהוֹדִֽיעֲךָ֗ (lə·hō·w·ḏî·‘ă·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

TRUE
קֹ֭שְׁטְ (qō·šəṭ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7189: Equity, reality

and reliable
אֱמֶ֑ת (’ĕ·meṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness

words,
אִמְרֵ֣י (’im·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 561: Something said

so that you can give
לְהָשִׁ֥יב (lə·hā·šîḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

sound
אֱ֝מֶ֗ת (’ĕ·meṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness

answers
אֲמָרִ֥ים (’ă·mā·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 561: Something said

to those who sent you?
לְשֹׁלְחֶֽיךָ׃ (lə·šō·lə·ḥe·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:21 To teach you truth reliable words (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 22:20
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