Proverbs 22

“The rich and the poor meet together; the LORD is the Maker of them all” (v2). Understanding that we and everyone we meet are made in God’s image – equally loved, equally in need of salvation – helps us live in the “humility and fear of the Lord” (v4). When our view of ourselves matches Scripture, we are more likely to make “prudent” choices (realizing that we need teaching, encouragement, and accountability, for example) and more likely to be generous with others (v9).

“Apply your heart to my knowledge ... that your trust may be in the LORD” (v17- 19). When our trust is in the Lord and not ourselves, we treat others with the grace we have received.