¶ Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men].
Seest {H2372} thou a man {H376} diligent {H4106} in his business {H4399}? he shall stand {H3320} before {H6440} kings {H4428}; he shall not stand {H3320} before {H6440} mean {H2823} men.
Do you see a man skilled at his work? He will serve kings, not obscure people.
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.
-
1 Kings 11:28
And the man Jeroboam [was] a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. -
Matthew 25:21
His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. -
Proverbs 12:24
¶ The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. -
Proverbs 10:4
¶ He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. -
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. -
Matthew 25:23
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. -
Genesis 41:46
¶ And Joseph [was] thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.
Proverbs 22:29 (KJV) highlights the profound impact of diligence and skill in one's work. This verse serves as a powerful affirmation that dedicated effort and excellence lead to recognition and promotion, contrasting with a life of obscurity.
Context
This proverb is part of the "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), a section offering practical wisdom for daily living, social interaction, and moral conduct. Like many proverbs, it observes a universal principle: hard work and expertise rarely go unnoticed. It speaks to the societal structures of ancient Israel, where skilled artisans or administrators might indeed gain the attention and patronage of rulers, leading to significant advancement and influence. The wisdom tradition in Proverbs often connects righteous living and diligent effort with prosperity and honor.
Key Themes
The Power of Diligence
The core message emphasizes the value of being "diligent in his business." Diligence here implies not just working hard, but also being skillful, attentive, and thorough in one's craft or responsibilities. It speaks to a commitment to excellence and mastery. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, encouraging believers to apply themselves fully to their tasks, as seen in Colossians 3:23, "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
Divine Recognition and Promotion
The promise, "he shall stand before kings," signifies promotion, honor, and access to positions of influence. It suggests that exceptional dedication and skill will elevate an individual beyond common circumstances, bringing them into the presence of those who hold power and can offer significant opportunities. This isn't necessarily about becoming a king, but about gaining audience and favor with them, indicating a rise in status and impact. This reflects a divine principle that God often honors those who are faithful and diligent in their callings.
Avoiding Obscurity
The contrasting phrase, "he shall not stand before mean [men]," reinforces the idea of rising above commonality. "Mean men" refers to those of low status, obscurity, or little influence. The diligent person will not be confined to serving or associating only with the insignificant; rather, their competence will open doors to higher circles and greater responsibilities. This serves as a motivational promise that hard work helps one escape a life of unfulfilled potential and anonymity.
Linguistic Insight
The Hebrew word for "diligent" is mahir (מָהִיר), which conveys the idea of being swift, skillful, or ready. It implies not just effort, but an aptitude and proficiency in one's work. The phrase "mean [men]" in the KJV translates the Hebrew choshekh (חֹשֶׁךְ), which literally means "darkness" or "obscurity." This powerfully contrasts the visibility and prominence gained through diligence with the anonymity and lack of influence associated with idleness or incompetence.
Practical Application
Proverbs 22:29 remains highly relevant in contemporary life. It encourages a strong work ethic, emphasizing that excellence in any profession or calling can lead to recognition and advancement. For individuals, it's a call to mastery and commitment, reminding us that our efforts are observed and can open doors. For leaders, it's a reminder to value and promote those who demonstrate diligence and skill, regardless of their current station. This verse also implicitly encourages integrity and faithfulness in one's work, knowing that God honors those who are faithful in little things, often leading to greater responsibilities, as taught in Luke 16:10. It inspires us to pursue excellence in all our endeavors, trusting that our dedication will be rewarded.