Proverbs 22:21 kjv
That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
Proverbs 22:21 nkjv
That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?
Proverbs 22:21 niv
teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve?
Proverbs 22:21 esv
to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
Proverbs 22:21 nlt
In this way, you may know the truth
and take an accurate report to those who sent you.
Proverbs 22 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Knowing and Teaching Truth/Wisdom | ||
| Deut 4:5-6 | "See, I have taught you statutes... observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding..." | Importance of teaching and keeping God's law. |
| Ps 119:105 | "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." | The guiding nature of divine truth. |
| Prov 1:5 | "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." | The purpose of Proverbs is growth in wisdom. |
| Jn 8:32 | "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." | The liberating power of knowing truth in Christ. |
| Jn 14:6 | "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" | Jesus as the embodiment of truth. |
| Jn 17:17 | "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." | God's Word as the source of sanctifying truth. |
| 2 Tim 3:16-17 | "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching... so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped." | Scripture's role in equipping for all good work. |
| Heb 4:12 | "For the word of God is living and active... it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." | The piercing and discerning power of God's Word. |
| Jas 1:22 | "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." | Emphasizes acting upon truth, not just hearing. |
| Speaking and Answering Truth/Wisdom | ||
| Prov 15:23 | "A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!" | The value of appropriate and timely speech. |
| Prov 16:13 | "Kings delight in righteous lips; they love those who speak what is right." | Righteous and truthful speech is valued, even by authority. |
| Prov 25:12 | "Like an earring of gold... so is the wise person's rebuke to a listening ear." | The effective and welcomed nature of wise counsel. |
| Matt 10:19-20 | "But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say... for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit..." | God equips believers to speak truth in difficult moments. |
| Lk 12:11-12 | "When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves..." | Divine assurance for testifying before authorities. |
| Col 4:6 | "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." | Speaking graciously and wisely to all people. |
| 1 Pet 3:15 | "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you..." | Be ready to explain one's faith with gentleness and respect. |
| Certainty and Reliability of Words | ||
| Prov 8:6 | "Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right." | Wisdom speaks with integrity and certainty. |
| Isa 55:11 | "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire..." | The dependable and effective nature of God's Word. |
| Eph 4:15 | "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him..." | Speaking truth as essential for spiritual growth. |
| 2 Tim 2:15 | "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." | Accurately handling God's Word is crucial for effective ministry. |
Proverbs 22 verses
Proverbs 22 21 Meaning
This verse states the fundamental purpose of the instruction in the book of Proverbs: to equip the learner with a deep, reliable, and verified understanding of truth. This understanding is not for personal enlightenment alone, but so that the individual can accurately articulate and apply these truths when responding to those who seek counsel or have entrusted them with a mission. It emphasizes dependable knowledge for practical and accountable communication.
Proverbs 22 21 Context
Proverbs 22:21 is found within the section titled "The Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), distinct from the earlier Solomon proverbs. This section often adopts a more direct, imperative tone, frequently addressing the "son" as a student or disciple. Verses 20-21 act as a purpose statement for the instruction that follows. Verse 20 mentions the recording of "excellent things in counsels and knowledge," and verse 21 explicitly states the 'why' behind this. This instruction aims to prepare individuals, likely young men aspiring to roles in administration, governance, or commerce, to competently and truthfully engage with superiors or those who seek reliable information. In the ancient Near East, accuracy and integrity in official communication were paramount for social order and trust, especially in a hierarchical society where messages often passed through intermediaries to kings or high officials. This verse underscores the ethical demand for factual and trustworthy reporting, indirectly standing in contrast to deceptive speech or careless responses that could have severe consequences.
Proverbs 22 21 Word analysis
- That I might make thee know: This phrase translates from the Hebrew Hiphil infinitive לְהוֹדִֽיעֲךָ֙ ( ləhōwdī’ăḵā ), derived from the root ידע (yada‘), meaning "to know." The Hiphil stem indicates a causative action: "to cause to know," "to instruct," "to teach." It emphasizes the deliberate act of the teacher (implied to be the author or wise instructor) in imparting knowledge to the student, highlighting the active role of wisdom instruction.
- the certainty: From the Hebrew קֹשְׁטְ (qosheṭ), a unique and strong word for "truth, certainty, trustworthiness, reality, accuracy." This term implies more than just factual correctness; it conveys solidity, reliability, and unquestionable verification. It appears sparingly in the Old Testament, predominantly in official or judicial contexts (e.g., Ezra 4:16, 7:16, Dan 2:47, 4:37) and here in Proverbs, emphasizing a robust, dependable kind of truth.
- of the words: From the Hebrew אִמְרֵי (’imrēy), the construct plural of אֵמֶר (’ēmer), meaning "word, saying, utterance, speech." This refers to specific pronouncements, teachings, or statements.
- of truth: From the Hebrew אֱמֶת (’emet), the more common Hebrew word for "truth, faithfulness, firmness, reliability, integrity." This term encompasses both factual accuracy and moral steadfastness. The combined phrase "certainty of the words of truth" employs both qosheṭ and ’emet, powerfully intensifying the idea of absolute veracity, unquestionable reliability, and foundational integrity of the instruction. It stresses that the wisdom being taught is not merely philosophical but concretely real and utterly dependable.
- that thou mightest answer: From the Hiphil infinitive לְהָשִׁ֣יב (ləhāšīḇ), derived from שׁוב (šûḇ), meaning "to turn, return." In the Hiphil, it means "to cause to return," thus "to reply," "to answer," "to give back a report." It indicates the practical outcome and application of the acquired knowledge: the ability to articulate a fitting response.
- the words of truth: Repetition of the phrase אִמְרֵי אֱמֶ֑ת (’imrēy ’emet) underscores the consistent nature of the knowledge to be received and subsequently relayed. The expected response is not just any answer, but one imbued with the same certainty and truth as the instruction received.
- to them that send unto thee?: From the Hebrew לְשֹׁלְחֶֽיךָ׃ (ləšōlkheykā), literally "to your senders," which is the masculine plural participle of שׁלח (šālaḥ), meaning "to send, dispatch." This phrase refers to those who dispatch the individual, often implying a position of authority such as a king, an official, a master, or a parent. It implies a context of delegation or inquiry, where the instructed person is an agent, messenger, or representative expected to give an accurate and trustworthy account or answer. This highlights the vocational and accountable dimension of wisdom.
- Words-Group Analysis:
- "the certainty of the words of truth": This precise phrasing, utilizing both qosheṭ (certainty/reality) and ’emet (truth/faithfulness), signifies that the wisdom being imparted is profoundly real, reliable, and consistent, not subjective or fleeting. It conveys absolute dependability and objective fact.
- "that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee": This passage highlights a crucial ethical and practical responsibility. The knowledge gained is not merely for private reflection but for public utility, especially in representing the truth to those in authority or those who rely on one's integrity and accuracy. It is about stewardship of knowledge.
Proverbs 22 21 Bonus section
This verse subtly reveals the divine design for how knowledge, particularly God-given wisdom, is meant to flow and be utilized within human society. It portrays a wisdom that is not inert or self-serving, but dynamic and relational. The purpose of knowing the "certainty of the words of truth" extends beyond personal edification to encompass an active, communicative responsibility. This concept aligns with the broader biblical principle of stewardship – one is entrusted with truth not only for one's own benefit but for the benefit of others, particularly those who have a right to accurate information or rely on trustworthy reports. It establishes a standard for integrity in every form of communication, underscoring that our words should reflect dependable reality, mirroring the character of God, who is Himself ultimate Truth and Certainty.
Proverbs 22 21 Commentary
Proverbs 22:21 profoundly articulates the core objective of the wise teacher and the expected outcome for the diligent student. The instruction conveyed within Proverbs is designed to embed in the learner a deeply verified and utterly reliable understanding of truth—not just facts, but fundamental principles that govern reality and morality. This robust knowledge, described by the potent combination of qosheṭ (certainty/reality) and ’emet (truth/faithfulness), is presented not as an academic exercise but as practical equipment. The ultimate aim is to empower the individual to competently and accurately respond with "words of truth" to anyone who sends them or seeks their counsel. This implies situations where integrity and accuracy of communication are vital, whether in government, family, or spiritual matters. The verse therefore teaches that true wisdom culminates in faithful communication and accountable representation, transforming internal understanding into external, beneficial application.Practical examples include:
- A disciple who, having deeply learned from scripture, can faithfully explain God's truths when asked about their faith.
- A public servant whose decisions and reports are firmly rooted in truth and accuracy due to the integrity imparted by wisdom.
- A parent or mentor providing reliable and certain guidance to those under their care, based on biblical principles.