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
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
For suddenly their destruction will rise up, etc. He speaks of both the detractor and the one who, favoring him, was mixed up with him; the slanderers of Christ the leaders, and those deceived by them the people; the tearers of the faith the heresiarchs, and their listeners the auditors.
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Summary
Proverbs 24:22 delivers a profound and sobering warning concerning the swift and devastating consequences that await those who disregard legitimate authority, both divine and human. It asserts that a sudden and unexpected calamity will befall such individuals, leading to a ruin so comprehensive and profound that its full scope is beyond human comprehension or foresight. This proverb underscores the gravity of disrespecting the Lord and the king, emphasizing the certain and overwhelming judgment that follows rebellion, sedition, or a general spirit of instability.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 24:22 functions as the culminating warning within a concise but potent admonition found in Proverbs 24:21-22. The preceding verse, Proverbs 24:21, lays the foundational command: "My son, fear the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change." This imperative establishes the context for verse 22, which then articulates the dire and inevitable consequences for those who choose to disregard this wisdom. The "fear" (Hebrew: yirah) enjoined here implies not merely terror, but a deep, reverential awe and humble submission to divinely established order. The warning against "them that are given to change" (Hebrew: shonim) refers to those who are rebellious, seditious, or prone to instability, actively seeking to undermine established authority and order. Thus, Proverbs 24:22 serves as the ultimate, inescapable outcome for those who embark upon a path of insubordination and disruption, powerfully reinforcing the earlier call for loyal, stable, and reverent conduct.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, the king was often regarded as God's anointed representative, and his authority was therefore imbued with divine sanction. Disrespecting the king was not merely a political offense but could be interpreted as an act of defiance against God's established order. The foundational concept of "fear the Lord" was central to Israelite wisdom, signifying a proper, covenantal relationship with God characterized by obedience, reverence, and trust. Societies throughout the ancient Near East, including Israel, placed immense value on social order, stability, and the maintenance of authority. Rebellions, conspiracies, and sudden political upheavals were constant threats, frequently leading to widespread chaos, suffering, and the collapse of societal structures. This proverb reflects these profound societal concerns, warning against any actions, associations, or attitudes that could destabilize the kingdom or defy divine decree. Such actions were understood to invite swift and devastating retribution, not only from earthly powers but, more significantly, from the sovereign hand of God Himself.
Key Themes
This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes present throughout the book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Primarily, it highlights the theme of Divine Retribution and Justice, asserting with certainty that God's judgment for disobedience is both inevitable and often sudden. It also underscores the Importance of Respect for Authority, both divine and human, as a cornerstone of true wisdom, societal well-being, and personal flourishing. This principle resonates with admonitions found in passages such as Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17. The phrase "calamity shall rise suddenly" emphasizes the Unpredictable and Inescapable Nature of Judgment, a motif seen elsewhere in warnings about the "day of the Lord" or sudden destruction for the wicked (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 5:3 and Psalm 73:18-19). Finally, the concept of "who knoweth the ruin" speaks to the Incomprehensibility of God's Wrath and Judgment, suggesting that the full extent of the consequences for defying God and His appointed order is utterly beyond human foresight, understanding, or even imagination.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H343), derived from a root suggesting "bending down" or "pressing," signifies oppression, misfortune, or ruin. Its usage here emphasizes the heavy, crushing, and destructive nature of the impending judgment. It is not merely an inconvenience or a setback, but a profound, debilitating disaster that falls upon the disobedient, leading to a state of being utterly overwhelmed.
This adverb (H6597), stemming from a root meaning "instantly," stresses the unexpected and swift arrival of the disaster. It implies that there will be no forewarning, no time for preparation, repentance, or escape. This suddenness amplifies the terror and inescapability of the judgment, leaving its victims utterly unprepared and without recourse.
A primitive root (H3045) meaning "to know," often implying to ascertain by seeing, comprehend, or be intimately acquainted with. In the rhetorical question "who knoweth," it conveys the idea that the extent of the ruin is far beyond human comprehension, foresight, or prediction. No one can fully grasp, anticipate, or measure the depth and breadth of the destruction that will befall those who defy both God and the king.
Verse Breakdown
"For their calamity shall rise suddenly"
This opening clause introduces the inevitable and immediate consequence for those who disregard the wisdom of fearing the Lord and the king, as outlined in the preceding verse. The "calamity" (misfortune, ruin, H343) is personified as something that "rises" (H6965), suggesting an active, unstoppable force emerging unexpectedly from an unseen source, overwhelming its targets without warning. This emphasizes the swiftness, inevitability, and devastating nature of divine and earthly judgment against rebellion and insubordination. The suddenness (H6597) amplifies the terror and inescapability of the judgment.
"and who knoweth the ruin of them both?"
This rhetorical question powerfully underscores the unfathomable depth and severity of the destruction. "Them both" (H8147) explicitly refers back to "the LORD and the king" from Proverbs 24:21, indicating that the ruin stems from offending either or both of these authorities. The question, using "knoweth" (H3045), implies that the full extent of this ruin (H6365) is utterly beyond human comprehension, prediction, or even imagination. It suggests a comprehensive, devastating, and perhaps eternal end that no one can truly foresee or measure, highlighting the terrifying scope of God's judgment and the king's retribution.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 24:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark warning with maximum impact. The most prominent is the Rhetorical Question ("and who knoweth the ruin of them both?"), which serves not to elicit an answer but to emphasize the unknowable and terrifying magnitude of the impending destruction. This device powerfully communicates the idea that the consequences are so vast they are beyond human comprehension or prediction. The verse also utilizes Personification, as "calamity" is depicted as something that "shall rise," giving an abstract concept an active, almost predatory quality. This imagery enhances the sense of an unstoppable, emerging threat that will actively confront and overwhelm its victims. Furthermore, there is an element of Hyperbole in the description of the "ruin" as being so great that no one can "know" or fully comprehend it. This exaggeration underscores the severity, finality, and overwhelming nature of the judgment. The cumulative effect of these devices is a stark, memorable, and terrifying warning, designed to instill a profound sense of caution, reverence, and respect for both divine and human authority.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 24:22 profoundly reinforces the biblical principle of divine justice and the serious, often unforeseen, consequences of rebellion against God's established order, whether spiritual or civil. It articulates a fundamental truth that defiance of legitimate authority, particularly God's supreme authority, does not go unpunished. The suddenness and incomprehensibility of the "calamity" and "ruin" speak to God's sovereign control over judgment, often executed in ways that defy human expectation or escape. This verse serves as a stark reminder that true wisdom includes reverent submission to God and a prudent respect for the governing authorities He permits, recognizing that their defiance can unleash forces beyond human control or understanding.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 24:22 offers a timeless admonition that transcends its original context, urging us to consider the profound implications of our allegiances and actions. It calls us to cultivate a deep reverence for God's authority and a respectful posture towards the legitimate governing structures He has ordained. This does not imply blind obedience to unjust systems, but rather a recognition that rebellion and instability, particularly when fueled by a disregard for divine principles, often lead to unforeseen and devastating outcomes that far exceed our capacity to control or comprehend. For the believer, this verse is a potent call to live prudently, to be discerning about our associations, and to actively seek peace and order rather than chaos and sedition. It reminds us that God is ultimately in control, and His justice, though sometimes delayed, is always certain and can manifest with terrifying swiftness and comprehensiveness, serving as a powerful deterrent against a spirit of lawlessness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who are "them both" referred to in Proverbs 24:22?
"Them both" refers directly and explicitly to "the LORD and the king" mentioned in the preceding verse, Proverbs 24:21. The proverb warns that calamity and ruin will befall those who defy, disrespect, or rebel against either God's supreme authority or the legitimate authority of the earthly ruler. This highlights the dual nature of the consequences: divine judgment from God and potential earthly retribution from the king or the state, both of which are divinely sanctioned.
Does this proverb mean Christians should never question or oppose any governmental authority, even if it is unjust?
While Proverbs 24:22 strongly advocates for respect for authority and warns against sedition, the broader biblical narrative provides crucial nuance. The New Testament calls for submission to governing authorities (e.g., Romans 13:1 and 1 Peter 2:13-14), but also affirms that obedience to God takes precedence when human laws directly conflict with divine commands (e.g., Acts 5:29). This proverb primarily warns against reckless rebellion, destabilizing actions, and a spirit of lawlessness that arises from a general disregard for order, rather than righteous civil disobedience motivated by a higher obedience to God. It emphasizes the unforeseen and comprehensive ruin that comes from a spirit of defiance against God-ordained structures.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 24:22, with its stark warning of sudden and incomprehensible calamity for those who defy authority, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, stands in universal rebellion against the ultimate authority of God, justly deserving of the very "calamity" and "ruin" described in this proverb. However, Christ, as the perfect Lamb of God and the obedient Son, willingly bore the full weight of this deserved divine judgment upon the cross. He became the object of God's wrath, experiencing the sudden, devastating blow of God's justice (Isaiah 53:4-6) so that all who believe in Him might be spared. Through His atoning sacrifice, the "ruin" that was due to us was poured out upon Him, allowing believers to escape the "calamity" and instead find refuge, peace, and reconciliation with God (e.g., Romans 5:9-10). Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate "King" and the supreme authority, "head over every rule and authority" (Colossians 2:10), to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given (Matthew 28:18). In Him, the fear of the Lord and the king are perfectly united, as He is both our sovereign Lord and the King of kings (Revelation 19:16). Those who submit to His gentle reign find true life, security, and eternal blessing, rather than the sudden ruin warned against in this proverb, for He promises rest to the weary and heavy-laden who come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30).