Proverbs 22:19-21 says,...

Today's verses are Proverbs 22:19-21, which read,

v.19 - So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have taught you today, even you.

We are continuing Solomon's introduction to another set of proverbs that are believed to be common at the time.  There are 77 of them that will stretch to Proverbs 24:34.  We were told to incline our ears and apply our minds to these proverbs so that they may be ready on our lips to recite.  Now Solomon adds that these proverbs build our trust in the Lord.  He also gives us the element that these proverbs are to be taught to all, even you.  

The success of the classroom is not that the student remembers the material but actually puts it into practice.  Some of that practice will be to not participate in those things that are out of the wisdom of God and to participate in those that are.  I am praying that we will see the application of each one of these proverbs as we go through them.

v.20, 21 - Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, to make you know the certainty of the words of truth that you may correctly answer him who sent you?

Solomon is going to add to what he has already said to us.  He calls wisdom something that is excellent in the areas of counsel and knowledge.  It is something to know with certainty so that it can be lived out and taught to others and especially those who directly ask.  He puts this last part of the introduction to these upcoming proverbs in the form of a question.  "What have you observed so far in this book of Proverbs?  What have you heard?  Has it been excellent?  Has it been counsel and knowledge?  Listen up because I am going to give you some more that I don't want to just reside within you but to be spoken to of others."

The words "correctly answer" literally mean "return to words of truth."  Solomon told us earlier in Proverbs 8:6, "Listen, for I will speak noble things; and the opening of my lips will reveal right things."  When we have a situation arise, Solomon wants us to remember the words of wisdom to apply to it and be able to communicate it to the others who might be involved.  "Why are you doing that?" they may ask.  You would respond, "Because it says in Proverbs..."  This is very similar instruction given by Peter in 1 Peter 3:14-16, which reads,

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed.  AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

Those are some great words that echo Solomon's words in the book of Proverbs.  Take in the wisdom of God and live it out so that it can be observed and taught to those who ask.  Some of that "living it out" might be tough but blessings will come from God of His value to you when you follow after Him.  Let us pray.

"Lord, prepare us for the proverbs that are coming to us.  May we see how they apply to our lives.  May we actually have times to talk to others about them as they ask why we are saying or doing what we are saying and doing.  May what You have given to us not stay with only us but be a blessing to others also.  May we say with Solomon that they are truly excellent.  Amen."

Pastor Adam 
A simple man serving a great God and the local pastor of Stillwater Community Chapel (stillwater-chapel.org). We are in our 38th year of full time ministry. God directed us to this local body of believers on the Western Range of the Rockies to grow with them in mission and mindedness of Christ.

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