TRV
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 24:21–22.
Note, 1. Religion and loyalty must go together. As men, it is our duty to honour our Creator, to worship and reverence him, and to be always in his fear; as members of a community, incorporated for mutual benefit, it is our duty to be faithful and dutiful to the government God has set over us, Rom 13:1, Rom 13:2. Those that are truly religious will be loyal, in conscience towards God; the godly in the land will be the quite in the land; and those are not truly loyal, or will be so no longer than is for their interest, that are not religious. How should he be true to his prince that is false to his God? And, if they come in competition, it is an adjudged case, we must obey God rather than men. 2. Innovations in both are to be dreaded. Have nothing to do, he does not say, with those that change, for there may be cause to change for the better, but those that are given to change, that affect change for change-sake, out of a peevish discontent with that which is and a fondness for novelty, or a desire to fish in troubled waters: Meddle not with those that are given to change either in religion or in a civil government; come not into their secret; join not with them in their cabals, nor enter into the mystery of their iniquity. 3. Those that are of restless, factious, turbulent spirits, commonly pull mischief upon their own heads ere they are aware: Their calamity shall rise suddenly. Though they carry on their designs with the utmost secresy, they will be discovered, and brought to condign punishment, when they little think of it. Who knows the time and manner of the ruin which both God and the king will bring on their contemners, both on them and those that meddle with them?
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
“Fear God, my son, and the king,” that is, fear Christ, the true God and king. Or by “king” [Solomon] means the one who, before ruling over others, rules himself. “Do not be disobedient to any of them.” Indeed, the one who denies respect to the king elected by God dishonors God. The impious will be immediately punished: certainly nobody knows that hour or day. Often for those still living an unexpected punishment is taken. Therefore only the judge knows the opportunity and reason of the punishment to be inflicted, or somebody who is a very close friend. So never have a friend except for the Lord and the king: certainly if they are not friends of the Lord and the king, they are their enemies. In truth, do not consider as friends those who are not the friends of the king and the Lord.
Fear the Lord, my son, and the king. Rightly as he himself said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's" (Matt. 22). Neither is there any obstacle in the Lord and king to understand the Father and the Son being designated, who are to be worshipped with one and the same honor of divinity. For he who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him (John 5). And do not join with the detractors. Meaning those who, claiming to know God the Father, refused to receive the Son of God appearing in the flesh.
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Summary
Proverbs 24:21 delivers a profound and dual exhortation, instructing the disciple of wisdom to cultivate a deep reverence for the Lord and a respectful submission to legitimate civil authority. This foundational principle is immediately juxtaposed with a crucial warning against aligning oneself with those who are prone to instability, rebellion, or radical, ill-conceived societal upheaval. The verse champions prudence, order, and discernment in one's allegiances and associations, advocating for a life rooted in divine wisdom and contributing to societal stability and well-being.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 24:21 is situated within a collection of "Sayings of the Wise," specifically a section (chapters 22-24) that expands upon earlier proverbial wisdom. Like much of the book, these sayings are presented as paternal instruction, guiding a "son" (representing any student of wisdom) in the paths of righteousness and prudence. The immediate preceding verses Proverbs 24:19-20 warn against envying evil men and highlight the eventual demise of the wicked, contrasting their fleeting nature with the stability and longevity promised to the righteous. This verse, therefore, serves as a direct, actionable command for how one should live in light of these realities, emphasizing loyalty to God and discernment in human relationships as safeguards against the instability and ruin associated with those who oppose divine and human order. It transitions from a general warning about the wicked to a specific directive on allegiance and association.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, the "king" represented the divinely ordained human authority, a figure whose rule was understood to be established by God, even if imperfectly exercised. The concept of "fearing the Lord" was central to Israelite identity, signifying not merely terror but a profound reverence, awe, and obedient submission to God's covenantal demands, recognizing His absolute sovereignty and holiness. Society deeply valued order, tradition, and stability, viewing disruptive change with suspicion, especially if it stemmed from rebellious, seditious, or ungodly motives. The warning against those "given to change" reflects a cultural aversion to conspiracy, rebellion, or any movement that threatened the established social and political structures, which were seen as integral to national well-being and divine blessing, often linked to the covenant and God's providential rule.
Key Themes
Proverbs 24:21 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the primacy of reverence for God, a theme foundational to all true wisdom, as articulated in passages like Proverbs 9:10, which states that "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." Secondly, it establishes the importance of respect for human authority, acknowledging the divinely permitted role of governing bodies in maintaining order and justice, a principle echoed in the New Testament (e.g., Romans 13:1). Thirdly, the verse champions prudence and stability, cautioning against reckless or rebellious actions that undermine societal harmony and lead to chaos. Finally, it highlights the critical theme of discretion in association, urging the wise to carefully choose their companions and avoid those whose unstable or revolutionary tendencies could lead to personal ruin or societal chaos, a recurring motif throughout the book, as seen in Proverbs 13:20.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root (H3372) signifies "to fear," but morally, it extends to "to revere." It encompasses a profound awe, respect, and obedient submission, rather than mere terror. In the context of "fearing the LORD," it denotes a recognition of God's supreme power, holiness, and rightful authority (H3068), leading to a life of worship and obedience. When applied to the "king" (H4428), it implies a healthy respect for their divinely appointed office and the consequences of disobedience, acknowledging their role in maintaining order.
This root (H6148) means "to braid," "intermix," or "to traffic." In this context, it carries the sense of "to mingle oneself," "to engage with," or "to become involved." The negative imperative "meddle not" thus warns against associating, joining, or becoming entangled with individuals or groups whose actions or ideologies are dangerous, disruptive, or rebellious. It implies a deliberate choice to distance oneself from their ways and avoid complicity in their schemes.
From a root (H8138) meaning "to fold" or "duplicate," this word implies "to transmute," "alter," or "do the second time." Here, it refers to those who are "given to change," meaning they are prone to constant alteration, innovation, or radical shifts. This is not a condemnation of all reform, but rather a warning against those who seek change for its own sake, or whose changes are disruptive, rebellious, or founded on instability rather than wisdom and justice. It suggests a restless, often destructive, desire to overturn established order without proper discernment or divine guidance.
Verse Breakdown
"My son, fear thou the LORD and the king"
This opening clause sets forth a dual imperative, foundational to wise living. The address "My son" (H1121, bên) establishes the didactic, paternal tone characteristic of Proverbs, indicating instruction for a disciple of wisdom. The command to "fear the LORD" (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh) is paramount, signifying a deep reverence, awe, and obedient submission to God, recognizing His ultimate sovereignty and holiness. Coupled with this is the command to "fear the king" (H4428, melek), which denotes respect, loyalty, and submission to the established civil authority. This dual fear acknowledges God as the supreme authority and the king as His appointed representative on earth, whose rule contributes to societal order and justice.
"and meddle not with them that are given to change"
This second clause serves as a crucial warning, directly linked to the preceding command for stability and respect for authority. "Meddle not" (H6148, ʻârab) advises against associating, joining, or becoming entangled with individuals or groups who are "given to change" (H8138, shânâh). This phrase describes those who are unstable, rebellious, revolutionary, or prone to radical, often ill-conceived, alterations of the established order. The warning is against complicity in sedition, conspiracy, or any movement that undermines divine or human authority without wisdom, often leading to chaos, destruction, or personal ruin for both the individual and society.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 24:21 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message with clarity and emphasis. The most prominent is the Didactic Tone, characteristic of wisdom literature, as the verse is presented as direct instruction from a father figure ("My son"). This establishes an authoritative yet benevolent voice, inviting the reader into a posture of learning. The verse also utilizes Juxtaposition by placing the command to "fear the LORD and the king" directly against the warning not to "meddle with them that are given to change." This highlights the antithetical nature of reverence and stability versus rebellion and instability. There is an implied Antithetical Parallelism where the positive action of fearing authority is contrasted with the negative action of associating with those who seek disruptive change; while not perfectly parallel in structure, their meanings stand in clear opposition, reinforcing the choice between wisdom and folly. Finally, the use of the Imperative Mood ("fear," "meddle not") makes the instruction a direct command, emphasizing its urgency, importance, and the required action for the recipient.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 24:21 articulates a profound theological truth about the nature of authority and the wise response to it. It grounds all human order in divine sovereignty, positing that true wisdom begins with reverence for God, which then extends to a proper respect for the human authorities He allows to exist. This perspective views civil government not as an arbitrary human construct, but as an institution permitted and often ordained by God for the maintenance of order and justice. The warning against those "given to change" is not a blanket condemnation of all reform, but a caution against rebellious, ungodly, or destabilizing movements that threaten peace and righteousness. It calls believers to discernment, encouraging them to be agents of stability and wisdom, rather than participants in chaos or sedition driven by human folly.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 24:21 remains profoundly relevant for believers navigating complex societal landscapes today. It calls us to a discerning allegiance, prioritizing our ultimate reverence for God while responsibly engaging with and respecting the governing authorities He has permitted. This means actively seeking to live peaceably, contribute to the common good, and uphold just laws, even when we may disagree with specific policies. At the same time, the proverb warns against the allure of radical ideologies or movements that promise quick, disruptive change without a foundation of wisdom, justice, and respect for established order. In an age of rapid social and political shifts, we are challenged to cultivate prudence, to carefully evaluate the motivations and methods of those who advocate for change, and to avoid aligning ourselves with groups whose instability or rebellious spirit could lead to personal or communal harm. Our associations matter, and this proverb urges us to choose companions and causes that promote stability, righteousness, and the fear of the Lord, fostering an environment where divine wisdom can flourish.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is this verse against all social change or reform?
No, Proverbs 24:21 is not a blanket condemnation of all social change or reform. The emphasis is on the character of those "given to change" (Hebrew shânâh), implying instability, recklessness, or rebellious motives rather than thoughtful, just, and necessary reform. The Bible itself records instances of God-ordained change and reform (e.g., the prophets calling Israel to repentance and a return to God's ways, or the radical transformation brought by the gospel). This proverb warns against association with those who are restless, revolutionary for its own sake, or whose actions undermine legitimate authority and societal order without wisdom or divine sanction, often leading to chaos and ruin. It encourages discernment between destructive upheaval and constructive, righteous transformation.
What does "fear the LORD" truly mean in this context?
"Fear the LORD" (Hebrew yârêʼ YHWH) in this context signifies far more than mere fright or terror. It encompasses a profound sense of awe, reverence, worship, and obedient submission to God. It means recognizing His absolute sovereignty, holiness, and power, and living in a way that honors His commands and character. This foundational "fear" is presented throughout Proverbs as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and the source of true life, stability, and blessing. It is a reverential trust that leads to obedience and a desire to please God above all else.
How do we balance "fearing the king" with obeying God when authorities conflict with God's law?
The command to "fear the king" (respect and submit to civil authority) is given within the overarching context of "fearing the LORD." This establishes a clear hierarchy of allegiance. When human laws or commands directly contradict God's explicit commands, the biblical principle is clear: "We must obey God rather than human beings" (Acts 5:29). This does not negate the general command to respect authority, but it establishes that ultimate allegiance belongs to God. Such disobedience, however, should be exercised with humility, wisdom, and a willingness to accept the consequences, rather than with a rebellious or seditious spirit aimed at undermining all authority. The goal is to honor God, even if it means respectfully disobeying human commands that violate His divine law.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 24:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "fear of the LORD," perfectly submitting to the Father's will in every aspect of His life, even unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). As the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Himself demonstrated profound respect for earthly authority, instructing His followers to "render to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" (Matthew 22:21), thereby upholding the legitimate role of government while prioritizing divine allegiance. While His coming inaugurated a radical "change"—the new covenant and the Kingdom of God—this was not the unstable, human-driven "change" warned against in Proverbs. Rather, it was a divinely ordained, purposeful transformation that brought ultimate stability and an unshakable kingdom (Hebrews 12:28). Believers, united with Christ, are called to live in this new reality, demonstrating reverence for God, respecting human authority where it does not contradict divine law, and avoiding entanglement with the unstable, rebellious ways of the world. Our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and our lives are to reflect the wisdom and stability found in Christ, the one who perfectly feared the Father and established an eternal, unchanging reign.