Proverbs 21:22

¶ A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

A wise {H2450} man scaleth {H5927} the city {H5892} of the mighty {H1368}, and casteth down {H3381} the strength {H5797} of the confidence {H4009} thereof.

A wise man can go up into a city of warriors and undermine the strength in which it trusts.

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

A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

Proverbs 21:22 declares the profound power of wisdom over brute force and physical defenses, asserting that strategic insight can overcome even the most formidable obstacles.

Context

This verse is found within the book of Proverbs, a collection of divinely inspired wisdom literature. Proverbs often presents sharp contrasts between the path of the wise and the path of the foolish, emphasizing the practical benefits of living according to God's principles. Chapter 21, in particular, contains a series of independent proverbs touching on themes of righteousness, justice, diligence, and the consequences of one's actions. Verse 22 highlights that true strength and victory are not merely found in physical might or fortified positions, but in the discerning and strategic power of wisdom.

Key Themes

  • The Superiority of Wisdom: The primary message is that wisdom possesses a power far greater than physical strength or military fortifications. A "wise man" can achieve what armies or walls cannot, demonstrating that intellect and divine guidance often surpass brute force.
  • Strategic Conquest: The phrase "scaleth the city of the mighty" suggests a strategic, rather than frontal, assault. Wisdom enables one to find the weak points, to outmaneuver and undermine the opponent's core defenses. It's not just about breaking down walls, but about dismantling the very "strength of the confidence" that the mighty rely upon.
  • Displacing False Security: The "city of the mighty" represents reliance on worldly power, material defenses, or human strength. Wisdom, in contrast, reveals the futility of such misplaced trust and can effectively challenge and cast down the very foundations of that confidence. This theme resonates with other scriptures that caution against trusting in human devices (Psalm 20:7).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "scaleth" (עָלָה - ‘alah) means to go up, ascend, or overcome, implying a successful penetration of defenses. The "city of the mighty" (עִיר גִּבֹּרִים - ‘ir gibborim) literally translates to "city of strong ones" or "city of heroes," emphasizing the formidable nature of the challenge. The phrase "strength of the confidence thereof" (עֹז מִבְטַח - ‘oz mibtach) points to the might or security derived from their trust or reliance. Thus, the wise man doesn't just attack the physical city, but the very source of its inhabitants' perceived invincibility, which is their confidence in their own strength or defenses.

Practical Application

This proverb offers profound insights for contemporary life. It encourages us to prioritize wisdom and discernment in facing life's challenges, rather than relying solely on brute force, material resources, or aggressive tactics. Whether in personal struggles, professional endeavors, or spiritual warfare, wisdom enables us to identify core issues, devise effective strategies, and undermine the foundations of problems. It reminds us that true victory often comes not from overwhelming power, but from insightful understanding and a reliance on God's wisdom, which can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and dismantle false securities. As Ecclesiastes 9:16 similarly states, "Wisdom is better than strength."

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:19

    Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty [men] which are in the city.

  • Proverbs 24:5

    A wise man [is] strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:13

    ¶ This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it [seemed] great unto me:

  • Ecclesiastes 9:18

    Wisdom [is] better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

  • 2 Samuel 5:6

    ¶ And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.

  • 2 Samuel 5:9

    So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.

  • 2 Samuel 20:16

    Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.

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