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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 22:21 to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/22-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/20_Pro_22_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 22:21 - Thirty Sayings of the Wise" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />To make you know the certainty of the words of truth, So that you may correctly answer him who sent you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />To make you know the certainty of the words of truth That you may correctly answer him who sent you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />To make you know the certainty of the words of truth That you may correctly answer to him who sent you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />To make you know the veracity of the words of truth That you may respond with the words of truth to him who sent you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />To let you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may give a correct answer to him who sent you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />in order to teach you true and reliable words, so that you may give a dependable report to those who sent you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />in order to teach you true and reliable words, so that you may give a dependable report to those who sent you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, That thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You can trust them completely to give you the right words for those in charge of you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, that thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />in order to teach you the words of truth so that you can give an accurate report to those who send you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and will teach you what the truth really is. Then when you are sent to find it out, you will bring back the right answer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />to teach you true and reliable advice, so you can give truthful answers to those who sent you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />to show you true and reliable words, so that you may give accurate answers to those who sent you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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 to thee?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />To cause you to know the certainty of sayings of truth, "" To return sayings of truth to those sending you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> To cause thee to know the certainty of sayings of truth, To return sayings of truth to those sending thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To cause thee to know the truth of the words of truth; to turn back the words of truth to those sending thee?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />That I might shew thee the certainty, and the words of truth, to answer out of these to them that sent thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />so that I might reveal to you, firmly and with words of truth, in order to respond about these things to those who sent you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />To teach you truly how to give a dependable report to one who sends you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />to show you what is right and true, so that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />That I might make you know counsel and knowledge and peace and the words of truth; so that you could answer words of truth to him who might send to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />That I may make known to you counsel, knowledge, stillness and the words of truth, that you may return the word of truth to him that sends you.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, That thou mightest bring back words of truth to them that send thee?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I therefore teach thee truth, and knowledge good to hear; that thou mayest answer words of truth to them that question thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/22-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4527" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">Thirty Sayings of the Wise</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>Have I not written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge, <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: lə·hō·w·ḏî·‘ă·ḵā (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 2ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">to show you</a> <a href="/hebrew/7189.htm" title="7189: qō·šəṭ (N-msc) -- Equity, reality. Or qosht; from an unused root meaning to balance; equity, i.e. Reality.">TRUE</a> <a href="/hebrew/571.htm" title="571: ’ĕ·meṯ (N-fs) -- Firmness, faithfulness, truth. Contracted from 'aman; stability; certainty, truth, trustworthiness.">and reliable</a> <a href="/hebrew/561.htm" title="561: ’im·rê (N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From 'amar; something said.">words,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: lə·hā·šîḇ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">that you may</a> <a href="/hebrew/571.htm" title="571: ’ĕ·meṯ (N-fs) -- Firmness, faithfulness, truth. Contracted from 'aman; stability; certainty, truth, trustworthiness.">soundly</a> <a href="/hebrew/561.htm" title="561: ’ă·mā·rîm (N-mp) -- Speech, word. From 'amar; something said.">answer</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: lə·šō·lə·ḥe·ḵā (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 2ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">those who sent you?</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/17-17.htm">John 17:17</a></span><br />Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-160.htm">Psalm 119:160</a></span><br />The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a></span><br />All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-32.htm">John 8:32</a></span><br />Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7-9</a></span><br />The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. / The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-20.htm">1 John 5:20</a></span><br />And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a></span><br />For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-13.htm">1 Corinthians 2:13</a></span><br />And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a></span><br />Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/1-20.htm">2 Peter 1:20-21</a></span><br />Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. / For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-19.htm">Isaiah 45:19</a></span><br />I have not spoken in secret, from a place in a land of darkness. I did not say to the descendants of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in a wasteland.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I say what is right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Ephesians 4:21</a></span><br />Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him—in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a></span><br />For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-89.htm">Psalm 119:89</a></span><br />Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a></span><br />Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">That I might make you know the certainty of the words of truth; that you might answer the words of truth to them that send to you?</p><p class="hdg">I</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/1-3.htm">Luke 1:3,4</a></b></br> It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/20-31.htm">John 20:31</a></b></br> But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/5-13.htm">1 John 5:13</a></b></br> These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.</p><p class="hdg">answer</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a></b></br> But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and <i>be</i> ready always to <i>give</i> an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/18-23.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-18.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-4.htm">Certainty</a> <a href="/judges/12-6.htm">Correctly</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Mightest</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Questions</a> <a href="/psalms/5-9.htm">Reliable</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-20.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-26.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-24.htm">Show</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-19.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">True.</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-28.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/27-19.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-23.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-19.htm">Certainty</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-10.htm">Correctly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/songs/8-2.htm">Mightest</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-10.htm">Questions</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-2.htm">Reliable</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-16.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-13.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Show</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/songs/8-2.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-23.htm">True.</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-23.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-8.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">A good name is more desirable than great wealth</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>to show you true and reliable words</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of truth and reliability in communication. In the biblical context, truth is a central theme, as seen in <a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a> where Jesus declares Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life." The Hebrew culture highly valued wisdom and truth, often associating them with divine revelation. The words "true and reliable" suggest a standard that is consistent with God's character, as God is often described as faithful and unchanging (<a href="/malachi/3-6.htm">Malachi 3:6</a>). The pursuit of truth is a recurring theme in Proverbs, where wisdom is personified and depicted as calling out to those who seek understanding (<a href="/proverbs/8.htm">Proverbs 8:1-4</a>).<p><b>that you may soundly answer</b><br>The ability to provide a sound answer is linked to wisdom and understanding. In <a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a>, believers are encouraged to always be prepared to give an answer for their hope. This reflects a broader biblical principle of being equipped with knowledge and wisdom to respond appropriately in various situations. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on the spoken word, and being able to articulate one's beliefs and understanding was crucial. This phrase underscores the importance of being grounded in truth to effectively communicate and defend one's faith.<p><b>those who sent you?</b><br>This phrase implies a sense of responsibility and accountability to others. In the historical context, messengers were often sent on behalf of a king or leader, and their words carried the authority of the one who sent them. Similarly, Christians are seen as ambassadors for Christ (<a href="/2_corinthians/5-20.htm">2 Corinthians 5:20</a>), tasked with representing Him and His message to the world. The idea of being sent also connects to the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>), where Jesus sends His disciples to make disciples of all nations. This phrase highlights the importance of being faithful and accurate in conveying the message entrusted to us.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His writings often focus on imparting wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom much of the wisdom literature, including Proverbs, was originally addressed. The cultural and religious context of Israel is crucial for understanding the text.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise.htm">The Wise</a></b><br>A general term for those who seek and apply wisdom in their lives, often highlighted in Proverbs as models for behavior.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_truth.htm">The Importance of Truth</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to seek and speak truth. <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Proverbs 22:21</a> emphasizes the value of true and reliable words, which are foundational for a life of integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparedness_to_answer.htm">Preparedness to Answer</a></b><br>The verse highlights the need to be ready to provide sound answers. This requires a deep understanding of Scripture and the wisdom to apply it in various situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reliability_in_communication.htm">Reliability in Communication</a></b><br>Our words should reflect the reliability and truth of God's Word. This means being careful and intentional in our speech, ensuring it aligns with biblical principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_as_a_witness.htm">Wisdom as a Witness</a></b><br>By embodying wisdom and truth, we serve as witnesses to those around us. Our ability to provide sound answers can be a powerful testimony of our faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/continuous_learning.htm">Continuous Learning</a></b><br>Engaging with Scripture regularly equips us to discern truth and provide reliable answers. This ongoing process of learning and growth is essential for spiritual maturity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_passion_week_important.htm">What is the significance of Passion Week?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_joppa's_role_in_the_bible.htm">How can you avoid the false cause fallacy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jacob_and_esau_reconcile_quickly.htm">How could Jacob and Esau reconcile so suddenly in Genesis 33:4 after years of hostility, and is there historical evidence for Esau's 400 men?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_excel_in_everything_we_do.htm">Where can wise counsel be found?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?--</span>This rendering is somewhat doubtful, but seems to give the best sense to the passage. The scholar is to be instructed not for his own profit alone, but in order that he may be able to teach others also. (Comp. <a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm" title="But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:">1Peter 3:15</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth.</span> The object intended is to teach the disciple the fixed rule (<span class="accented">firmitatem</span>, Vulgate) by which truthful words are guided (see <a href="/luke/1-4.htm">Luke 1:4</a>). Septuagint, "I therefore teach thee a true word and knowledge good to learn." <span class="cmt_word">That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee.</span> This implies that the pupil will be enabled to teach others who apply to him for instruction; "will be ready." as St. Peter says, "always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you" (<a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a>). But the last expression is better translated, "them that send thee;" <span class="accented">illis qui miserunt te</span>, Vulgate (see <a href="/proverbs/25-13.htm">Proverbs 25:13</a>); and we must conceive of these as being parents or tutors who send a youth to a school or wise man to be educated. The moralist expresses his desire that the disciple will carry home such wholesome, truthful doctrines as will prove that the pains expended upon him have not been useless. Septuagint, "That thou mayest answer words of truth to those who put questions to thee (<span class="greek">τοῖς προβαλλομένοις σοι</span>)" The Syriac adds, "That I may make known unto thee counsel and wisdom." Bickell's version (quoted by Cheyne) is, "That thou mayest know the rightness of these words, that thou mayest answer in true words to them that ask thee." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/22-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">to show you</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהוֹדִֽיעֲךָ֗</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hō·w·ḏî·‘ă·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">TRUE</span><br /><span class="heb">קֹ֭שְׁטְ</span> <span class="translit">(qō·šəṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7189.htm">Strong's 7189: </a> </span><span class="str2">Equity, reality</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and reliable</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱמֶ֑ת</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·meṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_571.htm">Strong's 571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">words,</span><br /><span class="heb">אִמְרֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’im·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_561.htm">Strong's 561: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something said</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that you can give</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהָשִׁ֥יב</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hā·šîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sound</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱ֝מֶ֗ת</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·meṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_571.htm">Strong's 571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answers</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲמָרִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·mā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_561.htm">Strong's 561: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something said</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to those who sent you?</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשֹׁלְחֶֽיךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šō·lə·ḥe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/22-21.htm">Proverbs 22:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22-21.htm">Proverbs 22:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/22-21.htm">Proverbs 22:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22-21.htm">Proverbs 22:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22-21.htm">Proverbs 22:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/22-21.htm">Proverbs 22:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/22-21.htm">Proverbs 22:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/22-21.htm">Proverbs 22:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/22-21.htm">Proverbs 22:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/22-21.htm">Proverbs 22:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:21 To teach you truth reliable words (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/22-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 22:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 22:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>