◄ Proverbs 22:21 ►
to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?
Study Bible
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.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His writings often focus on imparting wisdom and understanding.

2. Israel
The nation to whom much of the wisdom literature, including Proverbs, was originally addressed. The cultural and religious context of Israel is crucial for understanding the text.

3. The Wise
A general term for those who seek and apply wisdom in their lives, often highlighted in Proverbs as models for behavior.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Truth
As believers, we are called to seek and speak truth. Proverbs 22:21 emphasizes the value of true and reliable words, which are foundational for a life of integrity.

Preparedness to Answer
The verse highlights the need to be ready to provide sound answers. This requires a deep understanding of Scripture and the wisdom to apply it in various situations.

Reliability in Communication
Our words should reflect the reliability and truth of God's Word. This means being careful and intentional in our speech, ensuring it aligns with biblical principles.

Wisdom as a Witness
By embodying wisdom and truth, we serve as witnesses to those around us. Our ability to provide sound answers can be a powerful testimony of our faith.

Continuous Learning
Engaging with Scripture regularly equips us to discern truth and provide reliable answers. This ongoing process of learning and growth is essential for spiritual maturity.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the cultural and historical context of Israel enhance our interpretation of Proverbs 22:21?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our words are "true and reliable" in our daily interactions?

3. How does the call to provide a "sound answer" in Proverbs 22:21 relate to the New Testament instruction in 1 Peter 3:15?

4. What practical steps can we take to deepen our understanding of Scripture, so we are prepared to give sound answers?

5. How can the wisdom found in Proverbs 22:21 be applied to modern-day challenges in communication and relationships?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 1:1-7
This passage introduces the purpose of Proverbs, which is to impart wisdom and understanding. It connects to Proverbs 22:21 by emphasizing the importance of true and reliable words.

1 Peter 3:15
This New Testament verse encourages believers to always be prepared to give an answer for their hope, aligning with the idea of providing a sound answer as mentioned in Proverbs 22:21.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
This passage speaks to the reliability and usefulness of Scripture for teaching and equipping believers, echoing the theme of true and reliable words.
Sermons
CertaintiesWilliam Birch.Proverbs 22:21
Spiritual VeritiesD. Thomas, D.D.Proverbs 22:17-21
The Words of the Wise to be Taken to HeartE. Johnson Proverbs 22:17-21
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
TRUE, Bring, Carry, Cause, Certainty, Correctly, Mayest, Mightest, Ones, Questions, Reliable, Return, Sayings, Sending, Teach, Truth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 22:19-21

     8031   trust, importance

Proverbs 22:20-21

     8331   reliability

Library
The Rich and the Poor
Chapel Royal, Whitehall, 1871. Proverbs xxii. 2. "The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all." I have been asked to preach here this afternoon on behalf of the Parochial Mission Women's Fund. I may best describe the object for which I plead, as an attempt to civilise and Christianise the women of the lower classes in the poorer districts of London and other great towns, by means of women of their own class--women, who have gone through the same struggles as they have, …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
A sermon (No. 1670) delivered on Thursday Evening, June 8th, 1882, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets."--Proverbs 22:13. "The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets."--Proverbs 26:13. This slothful man seems to cherish that one dread of his about the lions, as if it were his favorite aversion and he felt it to be too much trouble to invent another excuse. …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

The Formation of Habits.
School Sermon. Proverbs xxii. 6. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." INTRODUCTION.--There is a district, high up in the Black Forest, where the ground is full of springs. It is a plain some nine hundred feet above the sea. Thousands upon thousands of little springs gush out of the soil; you seem to be on the rose of a vast watering-can. Now, from this great source flow a good many rivers, and they flow in very different, nay, opposite directions. …
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

The Christian Business World
Scripture references: Proverbs 22:29; Romans 12:11; Psalms 24:1; 50:10-12; Haggai 2:8; Psalm 49:6,10,16,17; 62:10; Matthew 13:22; Mark 10:23,24; Job 31:24-26; Proverbs 3:9; Matthew 25:14-30; 24:45-51; 6:19-21; Luke 12:16-21. THE IDEAL IN THE BUSINESS WORLD There is often a wide difference between the methods actually employed in doing business and when they should be. Good men who are in the thick of the battle of competition and rivalry with other firms in the same line of trade, are the quickest …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Philip and the Emperor
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.--Prov. xxii. 29. Kallias stayed a fortnight under the hospitable roof of Olympias, and during those days he had the pleasure of seeing how greatly his honest and genial simplicity brightened the thoughts both of his hostess and of his friend. The general outline of his own future seemed now to be approximately settled. Like Philip, he had acquired an incurable disgust for Constantinople, with …
Frederic William Farrar—Gathering Clouds: A Tale of the Days of St. Chrysostom

He Accuses Abaelard for Preferring his Own Opinions and Even Fancies to the Unanimous Consent of the Fathers, Especially Where He Declares that Christ did Not
He accuses Abaelard for preferring his own opinions and even fancies to the unanimous consent of the Fathers, especially where he declares that Christ did not become incarnate in order to save man from the power of the devil. 11. I find in a book of his sentences, and also in an exposition of his of the Epistle to the Romans, that this rash inquirer into the Divine Majesty attacks the mystery of our Redemption. He admits in the very beginning of his disputation that there has never been but one conclusion …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and Responsibility of Parents.
We have gone "to the Law and to the Testimony" to find out what the nature and benefits of Baptism are. We have gathered out of the Word all the principal passages bearing on this subject. We have grouped them together, and studied them side by side. We have noticed that their sense is uniform, clear, and strong. Unless we are willing to throw aside all sound principles of interpretation, we can extract from the words of inspiration only one meaning, and that is that the baptized child is, by virtue …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which Christian Love...
We shall not be curious in the ranking of the duties in which Christian love should exercise itself. All the commandments of the second table are but branches of it: they might be reduced all to the works of righteousness and of mercy. But truly these are interwoven through other. Though mercy uses to be restricted to the showing of compassion upon men in misery, yet there is a righteousness in that mercy, and there is mercy in the most part of the acts of righteousness, as in not judging rashly, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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