1. Why did Solomon write excellent things in counsels and knowledge?
Verse 22 is the whole answer: “(20) Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, (21) 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 22:20-21)?
Solomon, through inspiration (II Timothy 3:16-17), wrote excellent things (Proverbs 8:6).
He wrote of counsels (Acts 20:26-27) and we’d be wise to listen (Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 9:9, Proverbs 12:15, and Proverbs 19:20).
He gave words of knowledge that we should listen to (Proverbs 2:2-6, Proverbs 22:17, and Proverbs 23:12; cf. Colossians 1:10, Colossians 3:10, and II Peter 3:18).
We should know that the truth is certain (Luke 1:3-4, Psalms 119:89, Psalms 119:152, Psalms 119:160, John 17:8, and II Peter 1:16-21).
We should be able to answer those in inquire of the truth from us (Colossians 4:6 and I Peter 3:15).
2. Should anyone take advantage of the poor because of his or her poverty?
No: “Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate” (Proverbs 22:22).
Trying to cheat someone out of his or her belongings is never good (Proverbs 23:10-11).
It is wrong to rob the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7-9, Isaiah 10:1-2, and Ezekiel 22:29).
3. Will the Lord allow those who rob the poor to escape consequences?
No: “(22) Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: (23) For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them” (Proverbs 22:22-23).
I Samuel 2:7-8, Psalms 12:5, Psalms 34:6, Psalms 140:12, and Jeremiah 20:13.
4. Is it right to befriend an angry person?
No: “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go” (Proverbs 22:24).
Proverbs 15:18 and Proverbs 29:22; cf. James 3:16.
5. If one does befriend an angry individual, what will likely happen?
Learn his ways: “(24) Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: (25) Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul” (Proverbs 22:24-25).
Any sinner can rub off on us (Psalms 106:34-36, Proverbs 13:20, I Corinthians 5:6, I Corinthians 15:33, and II Timothy 2:16-18).
Sinners can bring a big trap for others (Proverbs 29:8).
6. Should we become a surety [one who takes responsibility for another] for a debt?
No: “Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts” (Proverbs 22:26).
Proverbs 6:1-5, Proverbs 11:15, Proverbs 17:18, and Proverbs 27:13.
There may be exceptions. For example, Paul took the responsibility for any debt owed by Onesimus to Philemon (Philemon 1:18-19). There is spiritual reasoning in such a case (John 15:12-13).
7. What do you prevent by not having debts?
You prevent your belongings being taken from you: “If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee” (Proverbs 22:27)?
Creditors take your belongings when you fail to pay (II Kings 4:1-7). *The following text is overall about forgiveness, but the illustration Jesus used shows debt collection as well (Matthew 18:23-25; 28).
It is best to owe no man (Romans 13:8).
8. Were the landmarks [boundaries of lands in Israel] supposed to be moved?
“Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set” (Proverbs 22:28).
Deuteronomy 19:14, Deuteronomy 27:17, and Proverbs 23:10.
Land was the inheritance for the children of Israel (Genesis 28:4, Numbers 26:53, and Numbers 33:54).
9. Are those who are diligent in business honored by rulers?
Yes: “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Proverbs 22:29).
I Kings 11:28 and Proverbs 12:24.
Consider the “Parable of the Talents” as an illustration here too (Matthew 25:14-30).
If we cannot be trusted with the mammon of unrighteous, who would commit to our trust the true riches (Luke 16:11)?