Proverbs 22:21

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

That I might make thee know {H3045} the certainty {H7189} of the words {H561} of truth {H571}; that thou mightest answer {H7725} the words {H561} of truth {H571} to them that send {H7971} unto thee?

Complete Jewish Bible

so you will know that these sayings are certainly true and bring back true sayings to him who sent you.

Berean Standard Bible

to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?

American Standard Version

To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, That thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 22:21 encapsulates the profound purpose of the "words of the wise" that follow, articulating the dual aim of divine instruction: to instill an unshakeable conviction in the reliability of truth and to equip the recipient to articulate that truth effectively and responsibly to others. This verse serves as a foundational statement, emphasizing that true wisdom is not merely for personal acquisition but for confident application and faithful communication in the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 22:21 stands as a programmatic statement, introducing a distinct collection of thirty sayings often referred to as "the words of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34). This section marks a shift from the more general Solomonic proverbs (Proverbs 10-22:16) and is presented as direct instruction from a sage to a student, similar in tone and purpose to the opening chapters of the book. The verse itself functions as a meta-commentary, explaining *why* the following proverbs are being imparted: to establish certainty in truth and enable its effective communication. It sets the stage for the practical, ethical, and theological guidance that will be expounded upon in the subsequent verses, highlighting the pedagogical intent of the wisdom literature.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs emerges from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, where sages played a crucial role in educating the youth, particularly those destined for leadership or public service. These "words of the wise" were often compiled and transmitted orally before being written down, serving as a curriculum for moral and practical instruction. The context implies a societal structure where individuals would "send unto thee" (i.e., consult) those recognized for their wisdom and discernment. This highlights the high value placed on sound counsel and the societal expectation that wise individuals would be reliable sources of truth and justice. The emphasis on "certainty" and "truth" reflects a desire for stable moral and social order in a world often characterized by deceit and instability, underscoring the practical necessity of reliable wisdom for daily life and governance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes present throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the **certainty and reliability of divine truth**, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of human opinion or deceit. The pursuit of wisdom in Proverbs is fundamentally the pursuit of God's established order and principles, which are presented as immutable and trustworthy, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 8:22-31](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - Wisdom's Origin and Value"). Secondly, it highlights the **practical purpose of wisdom**, which is not merely theoretical knowledge but a transformative force that equips individuals for righteous living and effective interaction. The ability to "answer the words of truth" points to wisdom's role in public discourse, legal proceedings, and personal counsel, echoing the call to speak wisely and discerningly found in [Proverbs 15:23](/proverbs/15-23 "Proverbs 15:23 - A Word Fitly Spoken"). Lastly, the verse implicitly touches upon the **responsibility of the wise**, suggesting that those who receive and internalize truth are then obligated to disseminate it faithfully and accurately to others, acting as trustworthy conduits of divine wisdom for the community, a theme also seen in the sage's role in [Proverbs 1:1-7](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Purpose of Proverbs").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual assent. It encompasses understanding, recognition, discernment, and even an intimate acquaintance. In this context, it implies a thorough grasp and confident assurance of truth, moving beyond superficial awareness to a profound, internalized conviction that shapes one's perspective and actions. The sage desires the student to possess truth in a way that it becomes part of their very being.
* **certainty (Hebrew, _qôsheṭ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to balance," this word conveys equity, reality, and truth as something evenly weighed and therefore reliable or straight. It speaks to the trustworthiness and factual accuracy of the "words of truth." The goal is to establish a foundation of understanding that is firm, unshakeable, and free from doubt or distortion, providing a stable basis for life and counsel.
* **answer (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** While primarily meaning "to turn back" or "to return," in this context, it specifically denotes "to reply" or "to respond." This active verb emphasizes the practical, outward expression of internalized truth. It's not enough to merely know truth; one must be able to articulate it, provide counsel, or give an account when called upon. It implies a readiness and competence to engage with others by speaking words grounded in reality and wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth":** This clause reveals the primary instructional objective of the sage. The purpose of the teaching is to impart a deep, experiential understanding (`yâdaʻ`) of the absolute reliability and trustworthiness (`qôsheṭ`) of divine principles and precepts ("the words of truth"). This isn't about rote memorization, but about cultivating an inner conviction and assurance in the foundational realities that govern life, as revealed by God. The sage aims to ground the student firmly in an objective, dependable truth.
* **"that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?":** This second clause highlights the practical, outward-facing outcome of the first. The knowledge of truth is not for private consumption but for public application. The student is to be equipped to respond (`shûwb`) with accurate and reliable counsel ("the words of truth") to those who seek their advice or judgment ("them that send unto thee"). This implies a context of leadership, arbitration, or mentorship, where the wise individual is a trusted source of guidance, capable of articulating God's truth clearly and effectively in real-world situations.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 22:21 employs **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, particularly **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. The first clause establishes the internal goal (knowing the certainty of truth), and the second clause presents the external, practical outcome (being able to answer with truth). This structure emphasizes the progression from internal conviction to external application. The phrase "words of truth" is repeated, serving as a **Repetition** that underscores the central subject matter and its paramount importance. This repetition also functions as a **Leitwort** (a guiding word or motif), highlighting that both the acquisition and the communication are fundamentally about truth itself. The verse also uses **Didactic Tone**, characteristic of wisdom literature, as a sage instructs a student, clearly stating the purpose and benefit of the instruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 22:21 profoundly connects to the broader biblical emphasis on truth as a foundational attribute of God and a necessary component of righteous living. God's character is defined by truth and faithfulness, and His Word is the ultimate standard of truth, providing stability in a fallen world. The verse underscores that divine wisdom is not an abstract concept but a practical tool, equipping believers to navigate complex situations and to be agents of truth in their communities. This dual emphasis on internal certainty and external communication reflects the holistic nature of biblical discipleship, where personal transformation leads to public witness.

* [Psalm 119:160](/psalms/119-160 "Psalm 119:160 - The Sum of Your Word is Truth")
* [John 8:31-32](/john/8-31-32 "John 8:31-32 - Truth Sets You Free")
* [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Be Ready to Give an Answer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 22:21 challenges us to cultivate a deep, unwavering confidence in the truth of God's Word, not as a mere intellectual exercise, but as a living reality that shapes our entire being. In a world saturated with conflicting narratives, misinformation, and subjective opinions, the call to know "the certainty of the words of truth" is more relevant than ever. This certainty empowers us to stand firm, discerning what is right and true according to God's standard. Furthermore, the verse compels us to consider our responsibility to articulate this truth. Our knowledge of God's Word is not meant to be hoarded but to be shared, to provide clear, wise, and compassionate counsel to those who seek guidance, to speak into situations with clarity, and to represent Christ accurately. This requires not only diligent study but also a life lived in integrity, so that our words carry the weight of our character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How deeply do I know the "certainty of the words of truth" in my own life, and what steps can I take to deepen that conviction?**
* **In what ways am I currently "answering the words of truth" to those who "send unto me," whether explicitly or implicitly?**
* **What are the practical implications of this verse for my daily conversations, my counsel to friends, or my public witness?**
* **How can I ensure that my responses to others are consistently grounded in biblical truth rather than personal opinion or worldly wisdom?**

### FAQ
**What does "them that send unto thee" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "them that send unto thee" refers to individuals who come to the wise person seeking advice, counsel, judgment, or an answer to a question. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, and particularly in Israel, those recognized for their wisdom were often consulted on matters of ethics, law, or practical life decisions. This could include family members, neighbors, or even those in authority seeking guidance. The verse implies a scenario where the wise individual is a trusted source of reliable information and sound judgment, expected to provide answers grounded in the "words of truth" they have internalized. It highlights the public and relational dimension of wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 22:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of "the words of truth" and the perfect answer to humanity's deepest questions. He is not merely a speaker of truth, but **Truth Incarnate** (as declared in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Christ, the certainty of God's revelation is made manifest; His life, teachings, death, and resurrection provide the unshakeable foundation for all reality and meaning. While the Old Testament sage sought to impart a reliable understanding of God's principles, Jesus perfectly demonstrated and delivered that understanding. He consistently "answered the words of truth" to those who came to Him, whether it was the Pharisees testing Him with legal questions, the disciples seeking understanding of the Kingdom, or the woman at the well grappling with spiritual thirst ([John 4:7-26](/john/4-7-26 "John 4:7-26 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")). Furthermore, as believers, we are called to be His ambassadors, equipped by the Holy Spirit to know and declare the truth of the gospel. The certainty we possess is found in Christ, and our ability to "answer the words of truth" is empowered by His indwelling Spirit, enabling us to share the good news of salvation and the wisdom of God to a world desperately in need of reliable guidance ([2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ")). Thus, Proverbs 22:21 foreshadows the ultimate Sage who is the very embodiment of truth, and through whom we are both grounded in certainty and commissioned to speak His truth to others.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Luke 1:3

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

Luke 1:4

That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

John 20:31

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

1 John 5:13

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.