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Proverbs 22:15-17
New Catholic Bible
Proverbs 22:15-17
New Catholic Bible
15 Folly is rooted deep in the heart of a child,
but the rod of correction[a] will remove it far from him.
16 A man becomes rich by crushing the poor,
but presents to the rich will only impoverish him.[b]
The Sayings of the Wise[c]
Lend Your Ear[d]
17 These are the sayings of the wise:
Incline your ear and listen to my words,
and apply your mind to the knowledge I impart.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 22:15 Rod of correction: see note on Prov 13:24.
- Proverbs 22:16 The man who gains money by crushing the poor will inevitably lose it by paying tribute to those who are richer.
- Proverbs 22:17 This collection of sayings may have been intended for the training and reflection of persons in positions of responsibility. Critics find in it some analogies with an Egyptian book containing the wisdom of a certain Amenemope (tenth century B.C.). But unlike the latter, which could only have served as a model, our collection teaches trust in God, under whose gaze the actions of human beings, especially of the mighty, are done. This collection sought to group its proverbs into some kind of order, although it never really reached that goal. It readily dispenses its counsels and loves warning formulas: Do not rob the poor. . . . Never make friends . . . (Prov 22:22, 24).
- Proverbs 22:17 This warm invitation greatly resembles the preface to chapter 1. The sage is a happy person who places trust in God.
