Genre Defined - A proverb is a concise statement of an apparent truth that has currency. Concise = saturation of thought and artful expression in an economy of words in sound, wordplay, ellipsis, or the use of irony and paradox. Apparent = the performance, that is, a proverb is true when it is applied in a specific situation (the context of which is lost). Currency = popular usage. [1]

Poverty and Wealth - The book of Proverbs reflects ambiguity concerning economic status. Sometimes foolish choices lead to foolish consequences-say, money frittered away in high risk investments; at other times, however, the poor are the very ones God defends (22:23). How one gets there is one thing, but how one treats the impoverished is another: those who oppress these vulnerable people will face the opposition of God. [2]

Better Than - Wealth gained by wronging, oppressing, or taking advantage of the poor stands under God’s condemnation. In ancient Israel, this happened when the wealthy bought up-and kept-the land of the destitute, so depriving them of their heritage in the land of promise . . . . On planet Earth, where resources are limited, the excessive increase of goods for some means loss for many others, both domestically and internationally. [3]

Some people believe that personal wealth is an indicator of God’s approval or a measure of God’s love. Consider James 2:5 (part of the second lesson) and notice how the poor among the Christian community were esteemed.

If God’s approval leans in any direction, it favors the poor. Yet God isn’t influence by personal wealth or poverty. What matters to God is how personal wealth or poverty influences one’s attitude toward God. Scriptures to ponder along with our lesson in chapter 22-Prov. 30:7-9, Luke 3:14, and 1 Tim. 6:6-8.

Set up a homily on Proverbs 22 by describing this misunderstood and little preached on genre. (For an example of such a homily, please refer to the DPS homily, Lady Wisdom).

Use the same format used by the Proverbs writer-contrast good names/great riches; favor/silver and gold; the common denominator of both the poor and the wealthy.

Suggest examples from our own world-national and international levels, personal and local levels where these sayings are true.

Move to James 2 as a way to confront our own behaviors toward the economic classes.

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[1] Richard J. Clifford, The Wisdom Literature (Abingdon Press, 1998), page 48.
[2] Dianne Bergant, Israel’s Wisdom Literature: A Liberation-Critical Reading (Fortress, 1997), p. 100.
[3] The New Interpreter’s Bible V (Abingdon Press, 1997), page 200.