Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22:1 "A [good] name [is] rather to be chosen than great riches, [and] loving favor rather than silver and gold."

Proverbs 22:2 "The rich and poor meet together: the LORD [is] the maker of them all."

Proverbs 22:3 "A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished."

Proverbs 22:4 "By humility [and] the fear of the LORD [are] riches, and honour, and life."

A good reputation is more important than wealth.    Everybody is equal before God, rich and poor alike.   We see in this "prudent man" a person who is careful and plans ahead.  We read in Matthew 18:3-4 "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  being humble will get you eternal life in heaven.  God's riches will be yours, also.  You will be joint-heirs with Jesus. 

Being   joint-heirs with Jesus reminds me of this song we sang when I was growing up!!

Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

The verse stresses the simple principle that education in the home forms the man throughout his lifetime.  There is only one right way, God’s way, the way of life.   Children who are trained to go to church when they are young, will generally be church goers all of their lives.    Many parents have seen a child that was raised in church wander away from God for a period of time.  

We see in this someone who sees the needs of those around and gives food to the hungry.  This person not only sees his own needs, but the needs of others.  He gives to the poor, and God blesses him for his generosity.

Proverbs 22:10, "Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease."

People who stir up problems are of no advantage to keep around. The sooner you get rid of them, the sooner your problems will go away. Those who constantly criticize are tearing down, not building up.