Wealth, Words, and Wisdom (Prov. 22:1-16)

Over the last few chapters of Proverbs we have seen more and more emphasis on the King. Think of what we have seen in the last couple chapters:

"The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass." (19:12)

"Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld." (20:28)

"The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD..." (21:1)

Here in Proverbs 22, as this collection of the Proverbs of Solomon draws to its end, we hear how this connects to us:

Verse 11: "He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend."

What would it mean to have the king for your friend? Remember what we've seen about friendship in the book of Proverbs. Friendship is not primarily about being "buddies." Friendship is primarily about being there for each other.

Your friend has your back.

So if the king has your back – that is just about the best friend you can imagine!