Proverbs 21:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

NIV: One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.

NASB: A wise person scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

CSB: A wise person went up against a city of warriors and brought down its secure fortress.

NLT: The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.

KJV: A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

NKJV: A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold.

The book of Proverbs often commends wisdom for the success it can bring (Proverbs 3:1–8; 16:20). Here, Solomon poetically depicts wisdom enabling a man to climb the walls of a fortified town and bring down its defenses. Wisdom provides strength and security which can overcome any physical advantage.

The apostle Paul preached the wisdom of God revealed in Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 2:1–5) to conquer the will of the mighty men of Athens. Declaring the gospel to the philosophers assembled on the Areopagus, Paul called for repentance. Acts 17:34 reports that "some men joined him and believed, among whom were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them." A humble believer armed with the wisdom of the gospel can break through the barriers in which unbelievers trust. He can bring down their confidence in their good works or their trust in their own intellect. Paul writes in Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes."

Proverbs 21:17–31 continues the recorded wisdom of Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). He contrasts the wise person with the foolish person, the righteous with the wicked, the lazy person with the diligent, and human wisdom with the Lord's sovereignty.

This chapter begins and ends with a declaration of God's sovereignty. He alone judges the heart; the Lord considers intentions just as important as physical actions. Other comments include statements about unpleasant spouses, proper perspectives on wealth, work ethic, and the essential nature of godly wisdom. Human wisdom is no match for the sovereign Lord, who alone is ultimately responsible for victory in battle.

This is part of the second major section of the book (Proverbs 10—22) featuring nearly four hundred statements. Most of these are two-line comments presenting common sense and general wisdom. The vague theme of chapter 21 is God's control. Man may believe he is in control of his circumstances, but God superintends everything. The chapter begins and ends by assuring the readers that God holds ultimate sway over all things.

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.

Accessed 5/5/2024 3:31:56 PM