Proverbs 22:20 kjv

Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

Proverbs 22:20 nkjv

Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge,

Proverbs 22:20 niv

Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,

Proverbs 22:20 esv

Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge,

Proverbs 22:20 nlt

I have written thirty sayings for you,
filled with advice and knowledge.

Proverbs 22 verses

Proverbs 22 20 Meaning

Proverbs 22:20 asserts the authoritative and intentional nature of the wisdom instructions presented. The speaker, a wisdom teacher often representative of divine inspiration, declares that profound and essential guidance for life ("counsels") and deep understanding ("knowledge") have been meticulously documented and communicated. Whether referring to "excellent things" or "thirty sayings" as specific instruction points, the verse underscores the completeness and reliability of these truths as a foundational curriculum for the one seeking a life aligned with divine wisdom.

Proverbs 22 20 Context

Proverbs 22:20 introduces a significant section within the book of Proverbs, commonly known as the "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:22). This verse serves as a preamble to this collection of wise instructions, setting the tone for the profound and weighty advice that follows. The previous chapters often present general wisdom principles, emphasizing the benefits of pursuing wisdom and the dangers of foolishness. In contrast, Proverbs 22:17 onward transitions into more specific and practical injunctions. Historically and culturally, the ancient Near East was rich in wisdom literature, with various collections of ethical and practical advice for living a successful life. Some scholars point to a possible structural or thematic influence from Egyptian wisdom texts like "The Instruction of Amenemope," which contains thirty chapters, aligning with one interpretation of "thirty sayings" in Proverbs 22:20. However, while acknowledging cultural parallels, biblical wisdom unequivocally grounds its "counsels and knowledge" in the fear of the Lord, setting it apart with a divine foundation.

Proverbs 22 20 Word analysis

• Have not I: This is a rhetorical question, characteristic of Hebrew literary style, serving as a strong affirmation. It conveys an emphatic declaration: "Indeed, I have written!" It highlights the certainty and deliberation behind the instructions.
• written: (Hebrew: katab, כָּתַב) This word emphasizes the permanence and authoritative nature of the instruction. What is written is fixed, reliable, and meant to endure, distinguishing it from casual verbal advice. It signifies careful thought and divine inspiration in committing these truths to an accessible, durable form.
• to you: The instruction is a direct, personal address from the teacher (the sage, or implied divine speaker) to the disciple ("my son" theme in Proverbs). It highlights the deliberate, targeted nature of the teaching, meant specifically for the recipient's edification.
• excellent things / thirty sayings: (Hebrew: shilshom, שִׁלְשׁוֹם) This is a critically debated word.
  • "Formerly" or "Beforetime": This is the primary lexical meaning of shilshom elsewhere in the Old Testament (e.g., Exod 21:29; 2 Sam 13:33), meaning "three days ago" or "before now." If so, it means, "Have I not previously given you excellent instructions?" This interpretation would refer to the entirety of Proverbs up to this point or a general statement about the prior existence of these principles.
  • "Excellent Things" or "Things of Value": This rendering, adopted by the KJV ("excellent things") and NKJV, derives from some traditional Jewish commentators (e.g., Rashi) who saw a figurative connection to the best of things being "of the third order" or preeminent. It implies high quality, importance, and deep meaning.
  • "Thirty Sayings": Many modern translations (ESV, NIV, NASB) favor "thirty sayings," interpreting shilshom here as related to the number three, specifically pointing to thirty distinct instructions in the ensuing section (Proverbs 22:17-24:22). This aligns with potential parallels to ancient Near Eastern wisdom texts (like the Egyptian "Instruction of Amenemope," which has 30 chapters), suggesting a structured collection. This view implies a direct numerical reference to the contents that immediately follow the verse.
• in counsels: (Hebrew: mo'etzot, מוּעָצָה) Refers to well-considered, strategic advice, guidance, or purposes. It implies practical wisdom for making right decisions and shaping one's life. These are not random suggestions but carefully thought-out principles for action and conduct.
• and knowledge: (Hebrew: da'at, דַּעַת) More than mere factual data, this signifies profound understanding, discernment, and spiritual insight. It is knowledge of how to live skillfully, recognizing right from wrong and applying wisdom to situations. It's experiential and moral knowledge, intimately linked to the fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 22 20 Bonus section

The ongoing scholarly debate regarding shilshom ("formerly/excellent" vs. "thirty sayings") reveals the richness and depth embedded in the original Hebrew text. While "thirty sayings" provides an intriguing structural and cultural parallel, "excellent things" or "formerly" broadens the emphasis to the high value and perennial nature of all the wisdom imparted. Both interpretations, however, underscore the deliberate intent behind the communication of these truths. This verse highlights the consistent message throughout the Bible regarding the importance of teaching and learning God's divine principles, whether written on stone, parchment, or upon the heart. It signifies a transition in the Book of Proverbs to more specific applications of the wisdom derived from the "fear of the Lord."

Proverbs 22 20 Commentary

Proverbs 22:20 serves as a powerful validation of the wisdom instruction. The teacher, acting as a steward of divine truth, emphatically assures the student that the advice is neither new nor trivial, but deliberately "written"—thus permanent and dependable. The choice of "excellent things" or "thirty sayings" signifies the profound quality and organized nature of these truths. "Counsels" points to the practical guidance for life's challenges, while "knowledge" indicates a deeper apprehension of truth and reality. This verse urges the disciple not to lightly dismiss the following instructions, but to embrace them as a divinely inspired, meticulously crafted curriculum essential for navigating life righteously and gaining genuine insight. It implies that these principles have been thoroughly vetted and thoughtfully presented for optimal learning and application, calling for diligent attention and adherence.