Proverbs 22

Living with Wisdom: Reflections on Proverbs 22

Introduction
As we opened up Proverbs 22 together, we were reminded again how this book of wisdom speaks less like a structured lecture and more like a series of deep, punchy truths—point by point, line by line. Each verse almost stands on its own, but together they form a tapestry of practical insight, spiritual formation, and godly living. Let’s walk through some of these verses and consider what they mean for our lives, our families, and our communities today.

A Good Name Over Great Riches

We began with verse 1: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” And we really had to pause here. Why is a good name so valuable?

We realized that in so many parts of life—whether it’s in ministry, business, family, or even something as practical as finding a babysitter—your name and reputation carry weight. We’ve seen how people’s advice is taken more seriously when their character has already been proven. Referrals are built on trust, and trust comes from a life lived with integrity.

It’s not just about personal gain either. A good name has ripple effects. When we vouch for others, when we speak a kind word on someone’s behalf, or when we offer someone a chance because of their reputation, we're participating in something bigger—something deeply relational and deeply spiritual.

But we also talked about the tension: we can pursue a good name so fiercely that we sacrifice the people closest to us. The example of Billy Graham was sobering. While God used his ministry powerfully, his family bore the cost. So our takeaway? A good name matters, but only when it’s rooted in Christ and doesn’t come at the expense of those we’re called to love the most.

And if you’re someone starting a new chapter—maybe you didn’t inherit a good family name—take heart. The greatest name we can bear is the name of Jesus. That’s the name that brings us into a new legacy, one rooted in grace, truth, and eternal value.

Training Up the Next Generation

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” This one might be familiar, but it’s deeper than it seems.

We talked about how this verse isn’t just a promise—it’s a calling. “Train up” implies consistent, intentional, present engagement. Whether we’re parents, teachers, mentors, or neighbors, we’re called to actively guide and model faith-filled living to the next generation.

Training means more than dropping kids off at church—it’s about knowing them, understanding their gifts, noticing how God made them, and calling out those strengths. It means showing them a faith that is vibrant and real, not dry or performative.

And here’s the hard question we had to ask ourselves: If a child watched the way we lived, would they be inspired to follow Jesus when they’re 80 years old? That’s the kind of life we want to live—a life so full of kingdom purpose and joy that the young ones around us want to walk that same road.

Live and Learn… or Just Live?

Verse 3 gives us this: “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” This proverb hit home—because we’ve all been in situations where we kept repeating mistakes, ignoring wisdom, and walking right into trouble.

We joked about a time we spilled paint—twice—at a community project, and how it became a family saying: “Some people live and learn; some people just live.” But it also served as a deeper reminder: when we see warning signs, do we act with wisdom or just keep moving, hoping things will work out?

It’s true in relationships, in finances, in habits. Are we learning, adjusting, growing? Or are we on autopilot, heading toward pain we could’ve avoided?

Sometimes wisdom looks like stepping away. Proverbs reminds us often that fools won’t listen and that arguing with someone unwilling to grow leads nowhere. So there’s a wisdom in knowing when to engage and when to walk away.

Sowing, Reaping, and Shaping Culture

In verses 8 and 9, we’re told that “Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity... The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” These verses reminded us of a basic but powerful truth: you reap what you sow.

Whether at home, in our churches, or on our teams—our words, our attitudes, our actions—they all plant seeds. And over time, they produce fruit. So are we planting seeds of encouragement, kindness, truth, and generosity? Or seeds of bitterness, laziness, and selfishness?

We used the example of Chick-fil-A’s culture. It doesn’t happen by accident—it’s cultivated. And we believe the same is true for any community following Jesus. Culture is built by leaders casting vision and everyone else embodying it. And that culture should reflect the heart of the gospel.

Final Reflections: Honesty, Humility, and Hope

Proverbs 22 ends with some sobering but hopeful reminders: God sees the poor. He defends the vulnerable. He watches over the honest. And he frustrates the unfaithful.

We were challenged to reflect on our intake—what we’re consuming with our eyes and ears—and how it’s shaping our hearts. We’re encouraged to speak the truth, serve others well, and resist exploiting anyone for personal gain.

And through it all, the call is to be formed by the wisdom of God. Not just by what’s trendy, popular, or convenient. Whether we’re disciplining our children, helping a neighbor, or leading a team, we’re invited into a life of integrity, humility, and purpose.

Let’s Keep Going

Proverbs 22, like the rest of the book, isn’t a checklist—it’s a call to a deeper, more intentional way of living. We’re still unpacking it, still growing, still learning. So let’s keep going—together—walking in the way of wisdom, led by the Spirit, rooted in truth, and growing in love.

Thanks for journeying with us. Until next time, let’s keep asking: What are we sowing? What are we modeling? And are we living lives that lead others closer to Jesus?

“A good name is more desirable than great riches…” (Proverbs 22:1)
Let’s be a people known for that kind of legacy.