King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
Complete Jewish Bible:
I have written you worthwhile things full of good counsel and knowledge,
Berean Standard Bible:
Have I not written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge,
American Standard Version:
Have not I written unto thee excellent things Of counsels and knowledge,
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Have not I written{H3789} to thee{H8032} excellent things{H7991} in counsels{H4156} and knowledge{H1847},
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 8:6
- Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips [shall be] right things.
2 Timothy 3:15
- And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:17
- That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Peter 1:19
- ¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
2 Peter 1:21
- For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.
Psalms 12:6
- The words of the LORD [are] pure words: [as] silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Hosea 8:12
- I have written to him the great things of my law, [but] they were counted as a strange thing.
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Commentary for Proverbs 22:20
Proverbs 22:20 is part of a collection of wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, though the actual authorship is a matter of scholarly debate. This verse, within the larger context of Proverbs, reflects the book's focus on imparting wisdom and ethical teachings to its readers. The historical context is that of ancient Israel, where wisdom literature played a crucial role in education and the transmission of cultural values.
The verse itself, "Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge," can be seen as a rhetorical question posed by the author to the reader, emphasizing the value of the teachings provided in the Proverbs. The themes of the verse include the importance of wisdom (excellent things), the practical application of this wisdom in decision-making (counsels), and the acquisition of knowledge as a path to understanding and right living.
In essence, Proverbs 22:20 is an invitation to reflect on the wisdom that has been shared and to recognize its worth. It underscores the idea that the teachings within the book are not merely words but are profound insights that can guide one's life. The verse encourages the reader to take these teachings seriously and to apply them diligently, suggesting that the path to a virtuous and successful life is paved with the wisdom found within the proverbs themselves. It also serves as a reminder of the didactic purpose of the text, which is to instruct and guide individuals in their pursuit of a life well-lived according to the principles of wisdom and knowledge.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3789
There are 212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כָּתַב
Transliteration: kâthab
Pronunciation: kaw-thab'
Description: a primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe); describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). - Strong's Number: H8032
There are 25 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שִׁלְשׁוֹם
Transliteration: shilshôwm
Pronunciation: shil-shome'
Description: or שִׁלְשֹׁם; from the same as שֶׁלֶשׁ; trebly, i.e. (in time) day before yesterday; [phrase] before (that time, -time), excellent things (from the margin), [phrase] heretofore, three days, [phrase] time past. - Strong's Number: H7991
There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁלִישׁ
Transliteration: shâlîysh
Pronunciation: shaw-leesh'
Description: or שָׁלוֹשׁ; (1 Chronicles 11:11; 1 Chronicles 12:18), or שָׁלֹשׁ; (2 Samuel 23:13), from שָׁלוֹשׁ; a triple, i.e. (as a musical instrument) a triangle (or perhaps rather threestringed lute); also (as an indefinite, great quantity) a three-fold measure (perhaps a treble ephah); also (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e. the highest); captain, instrument of musick, (great) lord, (great) measure, prince, three (from the margin). - Strong's Number: H4156
There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מוֹעֵצָה
Transliteration: môwʻêtsâh
Pronunciation: mo-ay-tsaw'
Description: from יָעַץ; a purpose; counsel, device. - Strong's Number: H1847
There are 91 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דַּעַת
Transliteration: daʻath
Pronunciation: dah'-ath
Description: from יָדַע; knowledge; cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly).