Proverbs 22
If a boy is named James, and his sister named Mary, we would say they had good names. But this is not what this proverb means; it does not mean the name your parents chose for you, but rather, one you make for yourself. When you play games or run errands and others find you can be trusted, you will have the “name” of being honest, or a “good name”. So a “good name” speaks of a good character, which is better than riches; and favor or kindness, is worth more than silver and gold.
Yet good names or character will not make us fit for heaven. There is sin in our hearts, even though we try to do good. God knew this and sent His Son, Who was perfect in all His ways on earth, to die, that those who believe in Him, may be known by His good name.
TO choose the good Name of the Lord Jesus, is surely far better than to choose riches, and His kindness is beyond silver and gold. After we have chosen. His good Name we should do good for the sake of His Name, instead of for our names.
A child is not wise, and to want its own way is “bound” in its heart, even although it might even hurt itself by having its way. The Lord wants all to learn to do the right; that is why wrong ways are to be corrected, that children will early learn good ways, and not bring trouble to themselves and others.
This is what we arc to do with wise words; read this carefully:
“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal he fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge. 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?” Pro. 22:17-2117Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. 18For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. 19That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 20Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21That 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 22:17‑21).
Those “words of truth” are God’s Words, which He has had written that we may know for certain of His Ways.
“Bow thine ear”, means to listen; “apply thine heart”, means to truly believe; “Keep them within thee,” means to think about. Then God’s Words will be “fitted in thy lips” to tell to others.
ML 03/09/1941