Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Proverbs 22 Devotional

Trust Is the Goal

“So that your trust may be in the LORD, I instruct you today—yes, you.”Proverbs 22:19 (BSB)

Proverbs 22 includes the familiar saying about training a child in the right way so that he keeps to it even in old age (22:6). It is easy to take that as a guarantee and then carry guilt when a grown child wanders. But proverbs describe how life generally works, not promises that override every child's own choices. Faithful teaching matters and is often fruitful. It is not a formula that places a child's heart under a parent's control.

At verse 17 a new collection of sayings begins, and the teacher explains why he is writing: so that the reader will put his trust in the LORD (22:19). The goal of wisdom is not success or a well-managed family but confidence in God. The same chapter reminds readers that the LORD made both rich and poor (22:2) and defends the afflicted (22:22-23). Every life, including the lives of the children we love most, belongs finally to God, who is more trustworthy than our best efforts.

To think about: What outcome have you been treating as your responsibility alone, and how could you entrust it to the LORD today?

About Proverbs 22: A Good Name and Sayings of the Wise

Proverbs 22 values a good reputation above riches, reminds rich and poor that God made them both, and speaks of training children. At verse 17 sayings of the wise begin, aimed at trust in the LORD, warning against robbing the poor, angry friends, risky pledges, and moving boundary stones, and praising skilled work.

Take the Proverbs 22 quiz →Study notes

Get the next chapter and its devotional in your inbox each morning

One short email a day, no account needed. Stop anytime.