Read & explore together
A Good Name
These proverbs compare reputation, money, choices, speech and treatment of others. Read together, they show that wisdom values character, caution, generosity and justice more than personal gain.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
Proverbs 22:1–16 is a sequence of sayings rather than a story. The passage moves through linked observations about rich and poor, prudence, humility, training children, debt, generosity, speech, laziness, temptation, discipline and oppression under Yahweh’s watch.
Proverbs 22:1–16Main takeaway
This passage teaches that wise living values a good name, humble fear of Yahweh, disciplined choices and fair treatment of others.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01A good name and a shared MakerThe passage begins by valuing a good name above great riches and loving favour above silver and gold.
Explanation
The passage begins by valuing a good name above great riches and loving favour above silver and gold. Character matters more than wealth. Then rich and poor are placed on common ground: Yahweh made them both. That gives dignity to each person, whatever their social position.
02Prudence, humility and the safer pathWisdom notices danger and takes cover, while the simple keep going and suffer for it. Humility and the fear of Yahweh are linked with wealth, honour and life.
Explanation
Wisdom notices danger and takes cover, while the simple keep going and suffer for it. Humility and the fear of Yahweh are linked with wealth, honour and life. In contrast, the wicked walk a path filled with thorns and snares, so guarding oneself means staying away from it.
03Training, debt, wickedness and generosityThe next sayings turn to everyday patterns. A child is to be trained in the right way. Debt brings a loss of freedom because the borrower serves the lender.
Explanation
The next sayings turn to everyday patterns. A child is to be trained in the right way. Debt brings a loss of freedom because the borrower serves the lender. Wickedness is like seed that grows into trouble, but generosity is blessed when a person shares food with the poor.
04Speech, excuses, temptation and justiceThese sayings show the power of words and conduct. Removing a mocker ends quarrels. Pure hearts and gracious speech bring favour, while Yahweh frustrates unfaithful words.
Explanation
These sayings show the power of words and conduct. Removing a mocker ends quarrels. Pure hearts and gracious speech bring favour, while Yahweh frustrates unfaithful words. The sluggard makes excuses, and adultery is pictured as dangerous downfall. The section closes with discipline for folly and a warning against oppressing the poor.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01In verses 1–2, what is valued above riches, and what do rich and poor share?
State what verse 1 values more than wealth, then note that verse 2 says Yahweh made both rich and poor.
02How do verses 3–5 contrast the prudent person with the wicked path?
Mention seeing danger, the result of humility and fear of Yahweh, and the image of thorns and snares.
03Which sayings in verses 10–16 connect speech or behaviour with results?
Trace the outcomes for the mocker, gracious speech, unfaithful words, the sluggard, the adulteress, folly and oppression of the poor.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Proverbs 22:1–16
1A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
2The rich and the poor have this in common: Yahweh is the maker of them all.
3A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
4The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life.
5Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked; whoever guards his soul stays far from them.
6Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
7The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.
8He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
9He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
10Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
11He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully is the king’s friend.
12Yahweh’s eyes watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
13The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!”
14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit. He who is under Yahweh’s wrath will fall into it.
15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, both come to poverty.