Proverbs 22:10-21
Q.1. What kinds of people should we try to avoid? How can we protect ourselves against the ungodly? – (Prov.22:10-16)
We should avoid coming under the influence of mockers (see Prov.22:10 c.f. Ps.1:1) but cultivate purity of heart and gracious speech (see Prov.22:11-12a). The writer also charged us to shun the sluggard and adulterous women, and those people who misuse their wealth (see Prov.22:13-14). This is a difficult task, but we have the promise that the Lord will protect the righteous, since – The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, but He overthrows the words of the treacherous man (Prov.22:12).
Q.2. What should be the goal of the correction and instruction from a wise parent? – (Prov.22:15, 17-21)
All humanity is tainted by our connection to Adam. Even adorable children need correction, since – Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him (Prov.22:15). Parents need to set boundaries and enforce them just as God does. A child needs love and direction from parents who have experienced the pain of mistakes. The writer underscored the motivation behind all good instruction – 19 So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have taught you today, even you. 20 Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, 21 to make you know the certainty of the words of truth that you may correctly answer him who sent you? (Prov.22:19-21).