Proverbs 22:29 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

NIV: Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.

NASB: Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure people.

CSB: Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of the unknown.

NLT: Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.

KJV: Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

NKJV: Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.

Solomon commends "skillful" work in this final verse of Proverbs chapter 22. The word "skillful" here is from the Hebrew word mahiyr, which can also mean "timely" or "prompt." The general idea is that of a worker who is diligent and capable of finishing excellent work in good time. Such a person is more likely to attract the favor of powerful people. While worldly success is not guaranteed, it's certainly true that diligent and efficient people have a better likelihood of success than those who are irresponsible.

The benefit of working diligently applies today. An employer or supervisor notices the person who works with purpose to complete tasks in a timely manner. A good employer rewards such employees by promoting them, or by giving them a raise, or by doing both. Many companies conduct employee evaluations in which a supervisor grades each employee on several factors. The evaluation might also include a reference to how quickly the employee performs each task. A yes or no is given for "performs each task in a timely manner." A lazy employee has good reason to dread his evaluation, but a diligent employee has nothing to fear.

Proverbs 22:22–29 begins Solomon's collection of thirty wise sayings. First, he presents a series of negative commands; chapter 22 ends with the first five collected teachings. These warnings touch on proper treatment of the disadvantaged, relationships, loans, boundary lines, and work ethic.

This chapter completes a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). He notes that reputation and godliness are far better than money. He also notes that godly wisdom keeps a person from various dangers. Loving parents use proper discipline to instill wisdom in their children. The last portion of the chapter introduces a new passage, made up of thirty wise teachings which Solomon endorses. This string of advice continues into chapter 24.

This chapter is the last of the second division of the book, including all of chapters 10—21. This section includes some 375 verses, mostly in paired lines. Chapter 22 completes these statements, then introduces a collection of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon. The first five are negative commands, warning to avoid certain vices. Chapter 23 continues with more sayings of advice.

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.