Proverbs 22 in the early church

96 passages quote, allude to, or echo Proverbs 22, grouped by verse; passages on the same verse are in date order. Verse text from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). References use the Protestant English Bible's numbering, with a writer's own numbering in brackets where it differs.

Verses: 1 · 2 · 4 · 5 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15 · 16 · 17 · 19 · 20 · 21 · 22 · 25 · 26 · 27 · 28 · 29

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:1Fragments on Proverbs, column 217 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 22:1Homilies 6.2 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, low confidenceca. 363-378

Proverbs 22:2

The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:2Fragments on Proverbs, column 217 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 22:2Oration 14.36 · Gregory of Nazianzusquotation, high confidenceca. 362–383
Prov 22:2Against Parmenian the Donatist 3.3 · Optatus of Milevisquotation, high confidenceca. 366–385
Prov 22:2Question 32, section 1 · Ambrosiasterallusion, high confidenceca. 370–384
Prov 22:2On Naboth 40 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-390
Prov 22:2Sermon 39.6 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 391-430
Prov 22:2Sermon 85.7 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 391-430

Proverbs 22:4

The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:4Fragments on Proverbs, column 217 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 22:4PG 12:1259 (Ps 21–22 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 22:5

Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:5The Conferences 24.24 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429

Proverbs 22:7

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:7Fragments on Proverbs, column 217 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 22:7Homilies on the Psalms 14.8 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, medium confidenceca. 360-378
Prov 22:7On Jacob and the Happy Life 2.12 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-390
Prov 22:7On Naboth 60 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-390

Proverbs 22:8

He who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:8Fragments on Proverbs, column 217 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 22:9

A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:9Fragments on Proverbs, column 217 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 22:9On Tobit 56 · Ambrosequotation, medium confidenceca. 380-390
Prov 22:9On Naboth 53 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 386-390

Proverbs 22:10

Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:10Fragments on Proverbs, column 217 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 22:10Fragments on Proverbs, column 219 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 22:10On Not Agreeing with Heretics 6 · Lucifer of Cagliariquotation, high confidenceca. 356–361
Prov 22:10Apostolic Constitutions 2.9.3 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Prov 22:10Liber Orsiesii 43 · Orsiesiusquotation, high confidenceca. 380-390
Prov 22:10Celestine, ACO I.2, letter 25.12 · Celestine I, bishop of Romequotation, high confidence430-432

Proverbs 22:11

He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:11Fragments on Proverbs, column 219 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 22:11Letter 148.32 · Jeromeallusion, medium confidenceca. 370–419

Proverbs 22:12

The LORD’s eyes keep watch over knowledge, but He frustrates the words of the faithless.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:12Fragments on Proverbs, column 219 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 22:13

The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:13Fragments on Proverbs, column 219 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 22:13Homily on 1 Samuel 1.15 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)

Proverbs 22:14

The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the wrath of the LORD will fall into it.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:14Fragments on Proverbs, column 219 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 22:15

Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:15Fragments on Proverbs, column 219 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 22:16

Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:16Fragments on Proverbs, column 219 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 22:17

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise—apply your mind to my knowledge—

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:17Fragments on Proverbs, column 219 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 22:17Commonitory 1 · Vincent of Lérinsquotation, medium confidence434

Proverbs 22:19

So that your trust may be in the LORD, I instruct you today—yes, you.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:19Fragments on Proverbs, column 219 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 22:20

Have I not written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge,

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:20Miscellanies 1.9.45 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 22:20–21On First Principles 4.2.4 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220–230 (Rufinus's translation 398)
Prov 22:20Fragments on Proverbs, column 219 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 22:20Fragments on Proverbs, column 221 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 22:20Homilies on Joshua 21.2 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Prov 22:20Homilies on Leviticus 10.2 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Prov 22:20Homilies on Numbers 1.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Prov 22:20Homilies on Numbers 9.7 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Prov 22:20Commentary on Matthew 10.3 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 246–248
Prov 22:20Tractates on the Psalms 118.17.5 · Hilary of Poitiersquotation, medium confidenceca. 360–367
Prov 22:20Oration 2.40 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, high confidenceca. 362–383
Prov 22:20Oration 32.24 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, high confidenceca. 362–383
Prov 22:20Oration 43.58 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, medium confidenceca. 362–383
Prov 22:20–21Letter 120.12 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419
Prov 22:20On Noah 52 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 378-384
Prov 22:20Exposition of Psalm 118 16.26.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 22:20Exposition of Psalm 118 18.21.1 · Ambroseecho, medium confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 22:20The Conferences 14.8 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429

Proverbs 22:21

to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:21Miscellanies 1.9.45 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 22:21Fragments on Proverbs, column 221 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 22:21Homilies on Numbers 9.7 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)

Proverbs 22:22

Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate,

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:22Fragments on Proverbs, column 221 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 22:25

or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:25Apostolic Constitutions 6.18.5 · Anonymousallusion, medium confidenceca. 380

Proverbs 22:26

Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:26On Prayer 28.5 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 233–234
Prov 22:26On Tobit 90 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 380-390

Proverbs 22:27

If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:27Fragments on Proverbs, column 221 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 22:27On Prayer 28.5 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 233–234
Prov 22:27On Tobit 90 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 380-390

Proverbs 22:28

Do not move an ancient boundary stone which your fathers have placed.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:28To Diognetus 11.5 · Anonymousecho, low confidenceca. 150–200 (disputed)
Prov 22:28Fragments on Proverbs, column 221 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 22:28Commentary on the Song of Songs 0.88 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Prov 22:28Letter to Africanus 7 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240–245
Prov 22:28Commentary on Matthew, Latin Series 132 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 244–249 (Latin translation, 4th–5th century)
Prov 22:28Church History 7.7.5 · Eusebius of Caesareaecho, medium confidenceca. 300–325
Prov 22:28Preparation for the Gospel 12.38.1 · Eusebius of Caesareaallusion, medium confidenceca. 313–324
Prov 22:28Against Marcellus 1.4.17 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 336–337
Prov 22:28Historical Fragments 1.4.1.5 · Hilary of Poitiersquotation, high confidenceca. 343–367
Prov 22:28Historical Fragments 1.4.1.23 · Hilary of Poitiersquotation, high confidenceca. 343–367
Prov 22:28Homilies on the Psalms 61.4 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, medium confidenceca. 360-378
Prov 22:28Hexaemeron 7.4 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 370
Prov 22:28Homilies 7.4 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, medium confidenceca. 363-378
Prov 22:28Letter to the Africans 1 · Athanasius of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 369
Prov 22:28Letter 63.2 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Prov 22:28On the Holy Spirit 30.77 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 374–375
Prov 22:28Apostolic Constitutions 1.1.5 · Anonymousallusion, medium confidenceca. 380
Prov 22:28Letter 6 to various bishops, chapter 2 · Siricius, bishop of Romequotation, high confidence385
Prov 22:28Letter 10, canons of the Roman synod to the bishops of Gaul, chapter 18 · Siricius, bishop of Romeecho, low confidence385
Prov 22:28On Jacob and the Happy Life 1.10 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-390
Prov 22:28On the Duties of the Clergy 3.3 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386–390
Prov 22:28Exposition of Psalm 118 16.7.1 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 22:28Hexameron (Exameron) 5.27 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-390
Prov 22:28Letter 40, chapter 1 · Innocent I, bishop of Romeallusion, high confidence401–417
Prov 22:28Part 10 · Eutherius of Tyanaquotation, high confidenceca. 431-440
Prov 22:28Part 13 · Eutherius of Tyanaallusion, high confidenceca. 431-440
Prov 22:28Commonitory 21 · Vincent of Lérinsquotation, high confidence434
Prov 22:28Commonitory 25 · Vincent of Lérinsecho, medium confidence434
Prov 22:28Part 2, chapter 16 · Quodvultdeus of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 445-450
Prov 22:28Letter 1 (= Leo, Ep. 22), chapter 1 · Flavian of Constantinopleallusion, high confidence448-449

Proverbs 22:29

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 22:29Long recension, Ephesians 5 · Anonymousallusion, medium confidencelater 4th century (probable)