Proverbs 22 · Verse 21

Proverbs 22:21

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?
Proverbs 22:21, King James Version

Proverbs 22:21 in other translations

BSBto show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?
WEBTo teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
ASVTo make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, That thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?
YLTTo cause thee to know the certainty of sayings of truth, To return sayings of truth to those sending thee.
DARBYthat I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?
BBETo make you see how certain are true words, so that you may give a true answer to those who put questions to you?
WebsterThat 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?

What does Proverbs 22:21 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
21. Specially he desires to secure accuracy, so that his pupil may teach others.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth - 1. These are words or doctrines of truth: 1. They are true in themselves. 2. Come from the God of truth. 3. Are truly fulfilled to all that believe. 2. These words of truth are certain, קשט koshet, they are not of dubious or difficult interpretation; they point directly to the great end for which God gave them; they promise, and they are fulfilled. He who pleads them by faith, receives their accomplishment in the spirit and power of Divine love. The Scriptures, as far as they concern the salvation of the soul, are to be experimentally understood; and, by this experimental knowledge, every believer has the witness in himself, and knows the certainty of the words of truth. VI. What we know ourselves to be true, and of infinite importance to the welfare of men in general, we should carefully proclaim and witness, that they also may believe. That thou mightest answer the words of truth - 1. When the doctrine of salvation is preached, there will be many inquirers. What is this doctrine? Have any persons received these blessings - the remission of sins, witness of the Holy Spirit, purification of the heart, etc., etc.? Who are they? What are the collateral arguments that prove these things, and show us that you have not misapprehended the meaning of these Scriptures? 2. Inquiries of this kind should meet with the speediest and most distinct answers; and the doctrines of truth should be supported and illustrated with the words of truth. "That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee."

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Proverbs 22:17-21

To these words, to this knowledge, the ear must be bowed down, and the heart applied by faith and love. To live a life of delight in God and dependence on him, is the foundation of all practical religion. The way to know the certainty of the word of truth, is to make conscience of our duty.

Read the full comment on Proverbs 22:17-21 →

Proverbs 22:21 in the original Hebrew

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

לְהוֹדִֽיעֲךָ֗le.ho.di.'a.Khato make known to youH3045
קֹ֭שְׁטְKo.shet[the] truth ofH7189
אִמְרֵ֣י'im.Reiwords ofH561
אֱמֶ֑ת'e.MetfaithfulnessH571
לְהָשִׁ֥יבle.ha.Shivto bring backH7725
אֲמָרִ֥ים'a.ma.RimwordsH561
אֱ֝מֶ֗ת'e.MetfaithfulnessH571
לְשֹׁלְחֶֽיךָ\׃\ \פle.sho.le.Chei.khato [those who] sent youH7971

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for Proverbs 22:21

  • Luke 1:3-4

    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, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

  • 1 Peter 3:15

    But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

  • 1 John 5:13

    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.

  • John 20:31

    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.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
I.
Lu 1:3,4; Joh 20:31; 1Jo 5:13
answer.
1Pe 3:15
them that send unto thee. or, those that send thee.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • Proverbs 22:20

    Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

  • Proverbs 22:21

    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?

  • Proverbs 22:22

    Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

Read all of Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22:21 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Para hacerte saber la certidumbre de las razones verdaderas, para que puedas responder razones de verdad á los que á ti enviaren?
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		pour te faire connaître la sûre norme des paroles de vérité, afin que tu répondes des paroles de vérité à ceux qui t’envoient?
German
Elberfelder 1871		um dir kundzutun die Richtschnur der Worte der Wahrheit: damit du denen, die dich senden, Worte zurückbringest, welche Wahrheit sind?
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		ut ostenderem tibi firmitatem et eloquia veritatis, respondere ex his illis qui miserunt te.