Proverbs 24:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might,

NIV: The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.

NASB: A wise man is strong, And a person of knowledge increases power.

CSB: A wise warrior is better than a strong one, and a man of knowledge than one of strength;

NLT: The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.

KJV: A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

NKJV: A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;

Wisdom and knowledge make a man powerful. The following verse applies this same idea to war (Proverbs 24:6), yet the principle is valid in anything. A common expression in English is the advice to "work smarter, not harder." In part, this means a person can accomplish much more through wisdom and careful thinking, as compared to just brute force or effort. A person well-established in truth and wisdom (Proverbs 2:1–13) is better equipped to make decisions (Proverbs 3:21–23). Likewise, the one who pools the wisdom of many people is more likely to find a workable solution to their problem (Proverbs 15:22).

The apostle Paul understood this fact. In his letter to the Colossian believers he writes: "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might" (Colossians 1:9–11). The truly wise person does not rely on his own strength to gain victory over temptation and to triumph over trials. He trusts the Lord for strength. The psalmist asks, "From where does my help come?" (Psalm 121:1). He answers, "My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121: 2).

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.