Proverbs 22 in the Russian Synodal translation and Esperanto conveys the same divine wisdom, but with different linguistic emphases. The comparison helps reveal how the simplicity of Esperanto and the Church Slavonic-influenced tradition of the Russian text highlight practical truths about character, upbringing, work, and one’s attitude toward others.
The book of Proverbs is not merely a collection of beautiful sayings. It is divinely inspired instruction for daily decisions. Chapter 22 combines themes of a good reputation, social justice, parental upbringing, the dangers of debt and anger, as well as the value of diligent work. The Russian Synodal translation often sounds solemn and literary, while Esperanto aims at clarity, logic, and internationally understandable expression.
A good name: “glory” or public respect
The first verse establishes the proper scale of values: character cannot be bought with money. The Russian text says: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” The expression “good favor” carries the nuance of a good reputation, the respect a person has gained through an honest life.
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Prov. 22:1
In Esperanto, the following words are used nomo (“name”), havo ("property," "possessions") and estimo ("respect," "honor"). Therefore, the second part of the verse especially directly emphasizes: people’s respect is more valuable than treasures. Both translations do not endorse the pursuit of prestige; they teach us to preserve our name through truthfulness, mercy, and faithfulness to God.
The rich and the poor before one Creator
The Russian text says that the rich and the poor "meet each other," while Esperanto has renkontiĝas — "meet." This word can mean not only a chance encounter, but also the very fact of living together in one world. Social difference is real, yet it does not determine human dignity.
"The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all." Prov 22:2
The Esperanto expression la Kreinto de ili ambaŭ literally means "the Creator of both of them." This construction makes the thought very clear: God is the Creator of both the wealthy and the poor. For an Adventist Christian, this means rejecting contempt for the poor, class pride, and indifference to the needs of the community. Mercy is not an addition to faith—it reveals its genuineness.
Raising a child: teaching according to his way
One of the best-known texts of the chapter in the Russian translation reads: "Train up a youth at the beginning of his way." The word "train up" is broader than ordinary teaching: it includes formation, discipline, example, and spiritual direction. In Esperanto there is the imperative expression instruu infanon — "teach a child," and then laŭ lia vojo — "according to his way."
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6
This proverb is not a mechanical guarantee that a child will never make a wrong choice. Every person has free will. But it testifies to the tremendous power of early habits. Parents and the church are called not simply to pass on rules, but to show a living faith: prayer, honesty, respect for people, love for God’s Word, and the joy of service.
Ellen G. White repeatedly emphasized that true education includes the harmonious development of mental, physical, and spiritual powers. Therefore, biblical upbringing is not limited to controlling behavior; it should lead the child to a personal knowledge of Christ.
Debt, anger, and destructive relationships
The Russian word "moneylender" may seem outdated, while the Esperanto pruntedonanto literally consists of the meanings "one who gives a loan." Both texts warn: debt creates dependence.
"The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes servant to the lender." Prov 22:7
The text does not forbid every financial loan, but it soberly shows its danger. Christian wisdom calls us to avoid thoughtless borrowing, live responsibly, and not turn desires into financial slavery.
A warning about an angry person sounds similarly practical. The Russian translation says, "do not befriend a wrathful man," while Esperanto uses the expression koleremulo — a person inclined to anger. The problem is not only in someone else’s temperament: constant association shapes our own reactions.
"Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not go with a furious person, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul." Prov 22:24-25
Diligence as service to God
At the end of the chapter, both translations exalt skill and conscientious work. In the Russian text, a person is "skillful in his work," and Esperanto expresses this as lerta en sia laboro — "skillful in his work." This is not about careerism, but about faithfulness in what has been entrusted.
"Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." Prov 22:29
Conclusion and practical application
A comparison of the Russian and Esperanto texts shows that language may change the nuance of an expression, but it does not change God’s principle. "A good name" and estimo call us to guard our character; "train up" and instruu remind us of responsible upbringing; "moneylender" and pruntedonanto warn us against dependence; "skillful" and lerta encourage diligence.
Put Proverbs 22 into practice this week: check whether your financial decisions are leading to unnecessary dependence; say words of spiritual encouragement to a child or a loved one; refuse to answer anger with anger; and at work, do one ordinary task as if you were doing it for the Lord. In this way, biblical wisdom will become not only a subject of linguistic comparison, but a way of life.
