Proverbs 22:17

“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, etc.] Here begins a new part or division of this book. According to some, the “third”; the “first” ending with (<200918>Proverbs 9:18), the “second” at (<202216>Proverbs 22:16), and a “third”, beginning here, and ending with (<202434>Proverbs 24:34). It is certain that what follows from hence to the end of that is written in another style, by way of exhortation, caution; and instruction, and is directed to particular persons: as here an exhortation is made to Solomon’s son, or to those that attended his instruction; or rather to the children of Wisdom, that is, Christ; to listen attentively to “the words of the wise”; of Solomon, and other…”

“Here begins another division of the book, marked by those encouragements to the pursuit of wisdom, which are found in the earlier chapters. It will be observed that at Pro. 22:22-24:12, the proverbs are generally expressed in two verses instead of one (see Introduction).”

“This is the commencement of a new and entirely distinct section, opening, after the fashion of Proverbs 3:1, Proverbs 3:21; Proverbs 4:1; Proverbs 7:1; with a general exhortation Proverbs 22:17-21 and passing on to special precepts. The “words of the wise” may be a title to the section: compare Proverbs 24:23. The general characteristics of this section appear to be (1) a less close attention to the laws of parallelism, and (2) a tendency to longer and more complicated sentences. Compare the Introduction to Proverbs. return to 'Top of Page'”

“My knowledge - The knowledge of God, which I am here delivering. Proverbs 22:18”

“22:17–24:22 This section is ascribed to a group called the wise. Who they were is unknown. There is a reference to thirty sayings (22:20), and the wisdom sayings that follow can be divided into thirty sections that are similar to an Egyptian composition called the Instruction of Amenemope, which is also divided into thirty chapters. 22:17-21 As with the prologue that opens the book of Proverbs (1:2-7) and the introductions to the individual discourses (see 1:8-9; 2:1-11), this section begins with an encouragement to listen. This wisdom is more than good practical advice—its purpose is to inspire trust in the Lord.”

“Bow: Pro 2:2-5, Pro 5:1, Pro 5:2 and hear: Pro 1:3, Pro 3:1, Pro 4:4-8, Pro 8:33, Pro 8:34; Isa 55:3; Mat 17:5 apply: Pro 23:12; Psa 90:12; Ecc 7:25, Ecc 8:9, Ecc 8:16 Proverbs 22:18”

“Pro 22:17-21, forming the introduction to this appendix, are these Words of the Wise: 17 Incline thine ear and hear the words of the wise, And direct thine heart to my knowledge! 18 For it is pleasant if thou keep them in thine heart; Let them abide together on thy lips. 19 That thy trust may be placed in Jahve, I have taught thee to-day, even thee! 20 Have not I written unto thee choice proverbs, Containing counsels and knowledge, 21 To make thee to know the rule of the words of truth, That thou mightest bring back words which are truth to them that send thee? From Pro 10:1 to Pro 22:16 are the "Proverbs of Solomon," and not "The Words of the Wise;" thus the above παραίνεσις is not an…”