Proverbs 24:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

NIV: If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!

NASB: If you show yourself lacking courage on the day of distress, Your strength is meager.

CSB: If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited.

NLT: If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.

KJV: If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

NKJV: If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small.

This is the twenty-fourth of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). Most of the thirty are longer than the typically short statements in the book of Proverbs. This teaching is brief, though the Hebrew wordplay is lost in translation. The term for "adversity" is sārāh', while the term for "small" is sar'. The word translated "faint" can also mean to "let go," "weaken," or "fail." Stating that someone who "fails" in times of trouble is weak is not meant as an insult, but as a blunt warning. Difficulty is a given during earthly life (Psalm 20:1; 86:7; Ecclesiastes 8:6; John 16:33). A person should prepare to face it, starting with godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 24:5).

Everyone, including believers, encounters adversity. Adversity is a normal part of life. For the Christian, adversity can be a good thing. James writes, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds" (James 1:2). His words were addressed to Hebrew Christians who were experiencing intense persecution. But why should adversity cause Christians to rejoice? James also gives the answer: "for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness" (James 1:3). Further, steadfastness can make believers spiritually mature and "complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:4). The apostle Peter also wrote to persecuted Hebrew Christians about the value of adversity. He said trials prove the genuineness of one's faith (1 Peter 1:3–9). Believers under pressure of adversity are encouraged to steel themselves and trust in Christ's power (Hebrews 12:12–13), rather than fall.

Proverbs 24:1–12 exhorts Solomon's son, or student, not to be jealous of immoral people or desire their friendship. Solomon contrasts godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) with foolishness and calls upon his son to rescue those who are unjustly oppressed. Failing to do so, under the all-seeing eyes of the Lord, cannot be excused. This continues a series of wise sayings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21).

Solomon continues to list wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21), rounding out his promised list of thirty teachings. These endorse integrity, accepting good advice, reputation, and ethical actions. The lessons also stress godly attitudes about vengeance, bitterness, and companionship. After verse 23 come additional proverbs. These may or may not have been Solomon's own words, but at least some appear to be his thoughts. Key points in these verses are the need for impartiality in judgment, godly reputation, and work ethic.

This chapter continues thirty sayings of wise people (Proverbs 22:17–21), as collected and endorsed by Solomon. The remainder of the passage are additional wise statements, which are not as clearly attributed. Some of the lessons are framed as warnings, followed by reasons. The lessons contained here are more detailed than most of the proverbs in this book.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.