Proverbs 22:20-21 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 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 unto thee?
The statement is both a reminder and a reassurance. It points back to what has already been given and forward to what it is meant to accomplish in the life of the reader.
‘Have not I written…?’ This rhetorical question emphasises that the reader has already been provided with sufficient instruction. Wisdom is not hidden or withheld; it has been clearly revealed, written down, and made accessible. The responsibility, therefore, is not to seek new truth, but to receive, understand, and apply what has already been given.
‘Excellent things’ The word translated “excellent” comes from the Hebrew shaliysh, which can mean threefold, choice, or of highest quality. This gives the phrase a rich depth of meaning: It may refer to things of great value and distinction, truths that are noble, weighty, and trustworthy. It may also suggest a structured completeness, possibly pointing to a threefold body of wisdom. Some have connected this to the writings of Solomon – namely Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs – each contributing to a full picture of life, meaning, and godly wisdom.
Whether understood as excellent in quality or threefold in structure, the emphasis is clear: what has been written is both intentional and sufficient.
To be continued…
Living the Word 