Proverbs 30:22

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;

Complete Jewish Bible:

a slave who becomes king, a boor gorged with food,

Berean Standard Bible:

a servant who becomes king, a fool who is filled with food,

American Standard Version:

For a servant when he is king; And a fool when he is filled with food;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For a servant^{H5650} when he reigneth^{H4427}; and a fool^{H5036} when he is filled^{H7646} with meat^{H3899};

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 30:22

Proverbs 30:22 is part of a collection of sayings attributed to Agur son of Jakeh, which is found in the latter part of the Book of Proverbs. This particular verse is one of a series of observations that use parallelism, a common feature in Hebrew poetry, to highlight the irony and folly in various situations. The verse speaks metaphorically about two scenarios that are contrary to the natural order of things: a servant who becomes a ruler and a foolish person who has abundance in food.

The first part of the verse, "For a servant when he reigneth," refers to a situation where someone who is accustomed to a subservient role unexpectedly comes into power. The implication is that this reversal of roles can lead to instability or inappropriate exercise of authority, as the servant-turned-ruler may not have the wisdom or experience necessary for governance.

The second part, "and a fool when he is filled with meat," addresses the consequences of gluttony and excess on a person who lacks wisdom. The phrase suggests that when a foolish individual has an abundance of food (metaphorically represented as "meat"), they may become complacent, self-indulgent, or even more foolish, failing to use their resources wisely or consider the needs of others.

In its historical context, the verse reflects the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which often commented on the social order and the virtues of wisdom and moderation. The themes of proper governance and the dangers of excess are common in wisdom literature, and they serve as cautionary advice to those in positions of power as well as to the everyday person. The verse underscores the importance of fitness for a role, whether in leadership or in personal conduct, and the potential negative outcomes when the wise order of things is disrupted.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5650
   There are 714 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֶבֶד
   Transliteration: ʻebed
   Pronunciation: eh'-bed
   Description: from עָבַד; a servant; [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant.
   
2. Strong's Number: H4427
   There are 284 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָלַךְ
   Transliteration: mâlak
   Pronunciation: maw-lak'
   Description: a primitive root; to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence (by implication) to take counsel; consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5036
   There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָבָל
   Transliteration: nâbâl
   Pronunciation: naw-bawl'
   Description: from נָבֵל; stupid; wicked (especially impious); fool(-ish, -ish man, -ish woman), vile person.
   
4. Strong's Number: H7646
   There are 92 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׂבַע
   Transliteration: sâbaʻ
   Pronunciation: saw-bah'
   Description: or שָׂבֵעַ; a primitive root; to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively); have enough, fill (full, self, with), be (to the) full (of), have plenty of, be satiate, satisfy (with), suffice, be weary of.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3899
   There are 277 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לֶחֶם
   Transliteration: lechem
   Pronunciation: lekh'-em
   Description: from לָחַם; See also בֵּית לְעַפְרָה; food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it); (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals.