The method of writing changes at this point, from short, mostly two-line proverbs to regular sentences and paragraphs. At least five points are made in this first part of our study of “The Sayings of the Wise” (see 22:17 and 24:23).

I.   BEGINNING BASICS (22:17-21).
   A.   The value of listening (22:17-19).
   B. The value of repetition (22:20,21).

II. ASSOCIATIONS WITH DANGER (22:22-27).
   A. Do not sin against the poor (22:22,23).
   B. Do not learn the ways of the angry (22:24,25).
   C. Do not make foolish commitments about debts (22:26,27).

III. PRINCIPLES AGAINST FAILURE (22:28-23:12).
   A. Cheating about land (22:28).
   B. Learning to be skilful at work (22:29).
   C. Do not be deceived by the ruler's delicacies (23:1-3).
   D. Do not give in to the desire for wealth (23:4,5).
   E. Beware of the selfish heart (23:6-8).
   F. Do not waste words (23:9).
   G. Cheating about land—someone is watching (23:10,11).
   H. The value of listening (23:12; see 22:17-19 again).

IV. FATHERLY AND MOTHERLY ADVICE (23:13-28).
   A. To the parents (23:13,14):  Discipline the child.
   B. From the parents (23:15-23).
      1. Rejoice in that which is right (23:15-18).
      2. Avoid immorality (23:19-21).
      3. Honor your parents (23:22).
      4. Have THE STANDARD as your standard (23:23).
   C. About the parents (23:24-28).
      1. We have the right to expect goodness in you (23:24-26).
      2. You can be destroyed by your decisions (23:27,28).

V. WARNINGS ABOUT WINE (23:29-35).
   A. Some good questions (23:29).
   B. A good answer (23:30).
   C. Some good advice (23:31-35).
 

Questions on Proverbs 22:17-23:35

1.    What is a pleasant thing (22:17,18)?
2.    Where should trust be (22:19)?
3.    In what form were these things made available (22:20,21)?
4.    What will the Lord do for the poor (22:22,23)?
5.    What can an angry man do (22:24,25)?
6.    What can happen to your bed because of debts (22:26,27)?
7.    What did the fathers set (22:28)?
8.    Why should we be thoughtful about food (23:1-3)?
9.    “______________ not to be ____________: ______________ from
       thine own ______________” (23:4).
10.  Is Proverbs 23:7 speaking of a good person (see verses 6 and 8)?
11.  What does a fool do (23:9)?
12.  What does 23:13,14 teach about discipline?
13.  What things make godly parents rejoice (23:15-28)?
14.  Write out the words about wine (23:29-35).