Proverbs 24:22

Context

Proverbs 24:22 serves as the concluding warning in a short but potent section (Proverbs 24:21-22) that emphasizes the importance of stability, loyalty, and respect for authority. The preceding verse, Proverbs 24:21, exhorts the reader to "Fear the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change." This sets the stage for verse 22, which articulates the severe and unpredictable consequences for those who disregard this wisdom and embrace rebellion or instability. It underscores that defying either divine or earthly established order carries profound risks.

Key Themes

• Swift and Unforeseen Judgment: The phrase "calamity shall rise suddenly" highlights the unexpected and immediate nature of the consequences for rebellion and disrespect. It suggests that divine and earthly judgments can come without warning.
• The Peril of Rebellion: The verse directly warns against associating with or participating in acts of sedition or drastic, destabilizing change. It implies that such actions provoke severe retribution.
• Unfathomable Ruin: "Who knoweth the ruin of them both?" powerfully conveys that the depth and severity of the destruction for those who defy God and legitimate authority are beyond human comprehension or prediction. The "them both" refers to the Lord and the king from the previous verse, emphasizing the dual source of the impending judgment.
• Respect for Authority: Implicitly, the verse reinforces the biblical principle of honoring both God's supreme authority and the divinely ordained authority of rulers. Disrespecting either invites catastrophic outcomes.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text uses strong imagery to convey its message:

• "Calamity" (Hebrew: 'eyd): This term frequently denotes a sudden disaster, misfortune, or ruin. Its usage here emphasizes the destructive nature of the impending judgment.
• "Suddenly" (Hebrew: pit'om): This adverb stresses the unexpected and swift arrival of the disaster, leaving no time for preparation or escape. This resonates with other biblical warnings about the unexpected nature of sudden destruction for the disobedient.
• "Ruin" (Hebrew: pid): Similar to 'eyd, this word also signifies destruction or disaster, often implying a lamentable end. The pairing of "calamity" and "ruin" intensifies the warning, suggesting comprehensive destruction.
• "Them both": This clearly refers back to "the LORD and the king" in the preceding verse, indicating that the ruin comes as a consequence of offending either or both of these authorities.

Practical Application

Proverbs 24:22 offers timeless wisdom relevant to personal conduct, civic responsibility, and spiritual life:

• Discretion in Associations: It encourages believers to be discerning about their companions and avoid those who are rebellious, unstable, or prone to inciting disorder. Our choices of association can significantly impact our spiritual and practical well-being.
• Respect for Law and Order: The verse serves as a reminder to respect legitimate governmental authority and the laws of the land, understanding that such order is part of God's design for human society.
• Gravity of Disobedience to God: Above all, it highlights the severe consequences of defying God's commands and principles. The "ruin" is not just earthly but can have eternal implications, reinforcing the importance of living in the fear of the LORD.
• Caution Against Radicalism: It warns against embracing ideologies or movements that promote instability, sedition, or a disregard for established moral and spiritual order, emphasizing that such paths lead to unforeseen and devastating outcomes.