First Division, Proverbs 22:17 to Proverbs 24:22.
Proverbs 22:17-21. This collection of sayings of the wise (Proverbs 22:17) is prefaced by a short introduction exhorting the pupil, as is Proverbs 22:1-9, to study them. The author is apparently addressing a pupil or envoy, and states that he has written down these sayings that his pupil may trust in the Lord and may take back words of truth to them that sent him.
Proverbs 22:20. excellent things: very doubtful rendering, resting on the Heb. mg. The Heb. text has a word which usually forms part of the compound adverb formerly. On the whole, though Toy rejects it, formerly is the best that can be done with a word that is probably irretrievably corrupt.
Proverbs 22:24. cf. Sir_8:15 f.
Proverbs 22:26. strike hands: i.e. those who pledge themselves, giving their hand in token of their engagement (cf. Isaiah 2:6).
Proverbs 22:27. cf. Proverbs 20:16.
Proverbs 22:28. The second half of the quatrain has probably fallen out by scribal error (cf. Proverbs 23:10 and Deuteronomy 19:14).
Proverbs 22:29. diligent: read mg. (cf. Ezra 7:6). mean: read mg.