PROVERBS CHAPTER 22.
V. 1. A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, it is much more precious, Ecclesiastes 7, 1, and loving favor rather than silver and gold, that is, the kind regard of the wise and good is to be preferred to all outward possessions.
V. 2. The rich and poor meet together, they are found side by side, in agreement with God’s order in the world; the Lord is the Maker of them all, whence it follows that the poor should not envy the rich, and the rich should not oppress the poor.
V. 3. A prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself, for his prudence takes into account all possibilities; but the simple, the inexperienced, those who are too foolish to learn, pass on and are punished, they suffer the consequences of their foolishness.
V. 4. By humility and the fear of the Lord, coming to men as a result of these virtues, are riches and honor and life, for outward prosperity, the respect of men, and inner growth are the rewards given to believers by the Lord.