# 465 The Proverbs – ‘A manual for living’ (MSG). Proverbs 22 (6). Whatever you do, in word or deed…

The sayings of the wise continue with various topics to enable us and those around us to live fulfilling and meaningful lives:

Saying 2 – verses 22-23 – concerning our treatment of the poor/the weak:

Don’t walk on the poor just because they’re poor,
    and don’t use your position to crush the weak,
Because God will come to their defense;
    the life you took, he’ll take from you and give back to them. (Message)

We are all vulnerable at times for various reasons (grief, illness, economic or relational circumstances) and it is this time that we are open to abuse in some way or other by an unscrupulous person. In my country, the statistics for domestic abuse happening to vulnerable spouses and children is shamefully high. So often, it is too late by the time law enforcement gets involved.

Here though, the proverb reveals a strong motivation not to use your position to crush the weak, and that is “divine retribution… The Lord is pictured as the one who is the ultimate legal-aid attorney, defending the poor who are oppressed even in the law courts.” (# 53)

Saying 3 – verses 24-25 – concerning unwise friendships:

Don’t hang out with angry people;
    don’t keep company with hotheads.
Bad temper is contagious—
    don’t get infected. (Message)

Have you ever met angry people … hotheads, those with a bad temper? Not particularly pleasant company, particularly as they are likely to be not only temperamental and reactionary but generally lose control and at the least be an embarrassment or even become quite dangerous! So, the proverb gives some sound advice here: don’t hang out with them or keep company with them. As well as other negative consequences, you may just catch what they have i.e., be infected by their bad attitude and behaviour! Avoid them at all costs before you get yourself ensnared (NIV).

Saying 4 – verses 26-27 – concerning wisdom in the use of our finances.

Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt
    or put up security for someone else.
If you can’t pay it,
    even your bed will be snatched from under you. (NLT)

How often have people been deceived by the possibility of quick financial gain and ended up instead in financial trouble. Sometimes by the temptation delivered through advertisements, or so-called “friends”, or even sometimes out of kindness to a friend or family member in financial stress. The proverb is calling for restraint. Consider carefully all the possibilities before committing yourself to such a project and seek to be wise in all your dealings. 

Saying 5 – verse 28 – concerning social justice.

Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers
    set up by previous generations.

At the time of writing this proverb, if someone moved ancient boundary markers, then it was usually someone powerful cheating on a vulnerable neighbour. For us today, the question is, who are the vulnerable and often defenceless who are being cheated by the more powerful around them? And then, whose cause should you and I “plead and whose lives [should we] light up with God’s justice and God’s mercy, ultimately shown in Christ?” (# 55)

Saying 6 – verse 29 – concerning diligence and excellence in the use of one’s skills.

Do you see any truly competent workers?
    They will serve kings
    rather than working for ordinary people.  (NLT)

It seems that this refers to a person’s “speed [which] comes from their well-learned skills rather than taking short-cuts.” (# 53) The New Testament puts it this way:

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him… Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:17, 23-24 ESV)

Basically, these verses could summarize much of the wisdom presented to us in the book of Proverbs.