Proverbs 24:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

A wise {H2450} man {H1397} is strong {H5797}; yea, a man {H376} of knowledge {H1847} increaseth {H553} strength {H3581}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A wise man is strong; yes, a man of knowledge grows in strength.

Berean Standard Bible

A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.

American Standard Version

A wise man is strong; Yea, a man of knowledge increaseth might.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 24:5 powerfully declares that true strength is not merely a physical attribute but is profoundly rooted in wisdom and knowledge. This proverb elevates intellectual and spiritual discernment above brute force, asserting that an individual endowed with understanding and insight possesses a superior and more enduring form of power. This cultivated strength enables them to navigate life's complexities, make sound decisions, and achieve lasting success, highlighting that the diligent acquisition and application of knowledge actively enhance one's capabilities, influence, and resilience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 24:5 is situated within a distinct collection of "Further Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), which serves as an appendix to the primary Solomonic proverbs. This section is characterized by its practical instructions and moral exhortations, guiding the reader toward a life of prudence, righteousness, and effective living within society. The immediate literary context emphasizes the practical utility of wisdom in daily life. For instance, [Proverbs 24:3-4](/proverbs/24-3-4 "Proverbs 24:3-4 - Wisdom Builds a House") highlights how "by wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established," demonstrating wisdom's foundational role in domestic stability. Similarly, [Proverbs 24:6](/proverbs/24-6 "Proverbs 24:6 - Counsel in War") asserts, "For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." Thus, Proverbs 24:5 naturally flows from and reinforces this emphasis, establishing wisdom and knowledge as indispensable elements for effective living, leadership, and successful endeavors, whether in personal affairs or strategic undertakings.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel and the broader ancient Near East, wisdom was a highly esteemed virtue, cultivated through both informal oral tradition and formal instruction, often within scribal schools or family settings. The book of Proverbs itself is a testament to this tradition, serving as a primary vehicle for transmitting practical and theological wisdom across generations. While physical prowess, military might, and material wealth were certainly recognized as sources of power in the ancient world, the biblical wisdom tradition consistently championed a deeper, more enduring form of strength. This strength was derived from moral character, spiritual discernment, and adherence to divine principles. Unlike the fleeting nature of physical power or the instability of wealth, wisdom was understood to provide true stability, security, and long-term prosperity. This perspective offered a counter-cultural challenge to the prevailing notion that only external displays of strength conferred power, instead pointing to an internal, cultivated strength accessible to all who diligently sought it.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb significantly contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the central theme of **Wisdom as the Principal Thing**, echoing the urgent call to "get wisdom; and with all thy getting get understanding" found in [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing"). It asserts that wisdom is not merely an intellectual pursuit but an active source of genuine power and capability, enabling individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Secondly, it elaborates on the theme of **Knowledge as Empowerment**, suggesting that the acquisition of understanding actively increases one's capacity, influence, and resilience. This involves not just accumulating facts but discerning truth and applying it effectively in practical life. Lastly, the proverb subtly introduces and champions the theme of **Strength Beyond the Physical**, challenging a narrow, worldly definition of power. It aligns with other biblical texts that prioritize spiritual and intellectual fortitude over mere physical might, such as when the Preacher declares that "wisdom is better than strength" in [Ecclesiastes 9:16](/ecclesiastes/9-16 "Ecclesiastes 9:16 - Wisdom Better Than Strength"), emphasizing an internal, cultivated power that transcends outward appearances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** (H2450) From a root meaning "to be wise," this term refers to someone intelligent, skillful, or artful. It denotes not just theoretical knowledge but practical sagacity—the ability to apply understanding effectively in various situations. A "wise man" is one who possesses discernment and insight, capable of making sound judgments and navigating complex circumstances with skill and prudence.
* **Strong (Hebrew, _ʻôz'_):** (H5797) This word signifies strength in various applications, including force, security, majesty, and praise. It implies a robust, enduring power, not necessarily physical might alone, but a comprehensive capability that provides stability and influence. When applied to a wise man, it suggests an internal fortitude and effectiveness that goes beyond superficial displays of power, enabling resilience and steadfastness.
* **Knowledge (Hebrew, _daʻath'_):** (H1847) This term refers to knowledge, understanding, and discernment. It implies not just factual information but also an intimate acquaintance with truth and the ability to apply it. The "man of knowledge" is one who possesses insight and understanding, which then serves as a dynamic foundation for increasing one's capabilities, effectiveness, and overall influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A wise man [is] strong":** This initial clause establishes a direct and inherent correlation between wisdom and strength. It posits that the very essence of a wise person inherently includes a profound form of power or capability. This strength is not primarily physical, but rather a robust mental, moral, and strategic fortitude that enables the wise individual to stand firm, make effective decisions, and exert positive influence in their environment. It suggests that wisdom provides an inner resilience and capacity that makes one truly formidable and capable of enduring.
* **"yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength."** This second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, employing a classic feature of Hebrew poetry: synonymous parallelism. The phrase "man of knowledge" parallels "wise man," and "increaseth strength" elaborates on the concept of being "strong." The verb "increaseth" (from H553, _ʼâmats'_) implies an active, dynamic process of becoming stronger, more courageous, or more firmly established. Thus, knowledge is presented not as a static possession but as a vital, dynamic force that actively builds upon and enhances one's existing capabilities, leading to greater power, effectiveness, and resilience in all aspects of life.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 24:5 primarily employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, a foundational characteristic of Hebrew poetic structure. The first half of the verse, "A wise man [is] strong," presents a core idea, which is then rephrased, restated, and slightly expanded upon in the second half, "yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength." This repetition with variation serves to powerfully **emphasize** and reinforce the central message: wisdom and knowledge are intrinsically and actively linked to power, capability, and resilience. The conjunction "yea" (or "and" in some translations) further highlights this reinforcing connection, drawing the reader's attention to the profound and active relationship between intellectual and spiritual discernment and true, enduring power. The proverb's structure thus enhances its memorability and impact, driving home its profound truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb underscores a profound biblical truth: God is the ultimate source of all true wisdom and strength. Far from being a mere human intellectual pursuit, biblical wisdom is fundamentally rooted in the fear of the Lord ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")), which is the "beginning of wisdom." When humanity seeks knowledge and wisdom, especially divine wisdom revealed in Scripture, they are tapping into a resource that empowers them to live righteously, make discerning choices, and stand firm against the challenges of a fallen world. This strength is not for selfish gain or worldly dominance but for living a life that honors God, serves others, and reflects His character and purposes in the world, enabling believers to walk in His ways and fulfill His will.

* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - God Gives Wisdom Generously")
* [Proverbs 3:13-18](/proverbs/3-13-18 "Proverbs 3:13-18 - The Blessings of Wisdom")
* [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Foolishness is Wiser")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 24:5 offers a profound counter-cultural message for our modern age, which often equates strength with physical prowess, material wealth, social dominance, or even technological superiority. This proverb calls us to re-evaluate our priorities, reminding us that true and lasting strength is cultivated not primarily in the gym, the marketplace, or the digital realm, but in the quiet, diligent pursuit of wisdom and knowledge. It encourages us to invest deeply in intellectual and spiritual growth, recognizing that a discerning mind and a heart anchored in truth are our most formidable assets. This inner fortitude empowers us to navigate complex decisions with clarity, resist temptation with conviction, persevere through adversity with resilience, and lead with integrity and foresight. By valuing continuous learning, seeking godly counsel, and meditating deeply on God's Word, we build an internal resilience that equips us for every challenge and opportunity, allowing us to live lives of profound impact, enduring significance, and authentic witness in a world that desperately needs true wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to prioritize physical or material strength, or even popular opinion, over wisdom and knowledge?**
* **How does the consistent pursuit of biblical wisdom practically "increase your strength" in your daily decisions, relationships, and spiritual battles?**
* **What specific, actionable steps can you take this week to intentionally cultivate more wisdom and knowledge in your life, particularly from God's Word?**
* **How might a family, church, or community that collectively values wisdom and knowledge over other forms of power look and function differently from the world around it?**

### FAQ
**Does this proverb diminish the importance of physical strength or other forms of power?**

Answer: No, this proverb does not diminish the importance of physical strength or other forms of power entirely, but rather redefines and elevates the concept of "strength." In ancient contexts, physical might was certainly valued, especially in warfare and labor. However, Proverbs consistently presents wisdom as a superior, more foundational, and enduring form of power. It suggests that while physical strength can be fleeting or limited in its application, the strength derived from wisdom and knowledge is comprehensive, strategic, and resilient, enabling a person to overcome challenges that brute force cannot. It's about prioritizing the *source* of true effectiveness, emphasizing that intellectual and moral fortitude are the ultimate wellsprings of lasting power and influence, as seen in the strategic counsel needed for victory in [Proverbs 24:6](/proverbs/24-6 "Proverbs 24:6 - Counsel in War").

**How does one "increase strength" through knowledge in a practical sense?**

Answer: Increasing strength through knowledge involves several practical aspects. Firstly, knowledge provides **discernment**, allowing one to make better decisions, anticipate consequences, and avoid pitfalls. This leads to more effective actions and fewer wasted efforts. Secondly, it fosters **resilience**, as understanding equips one to process and learn from setbacks, rather than being crushed by them. Thirdly, knowledge enhances **influence** and **leadership**, as informed individuals are better able to persuade, guide, and inspire others, building a "house" by wisdom as mentioned in [Proverbs 24:3](/proverbs/24-3 "Proverbs 24:3 - Wisdom Builds a House"). Finally, for the believer, knowledge of God's Word and His character provides **spiritual fortitude**, empowering one to live righteously and stand firm against spiritual opposition, as seen in the call to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" in [Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 24:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom and strength. The New Testament reveals Jesus not merely as a wise teacher, but as the wisdom of God personified, the one "who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). In Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - All Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")), making Him the ultimate source and definition of true understanding. His strength was not of physical might, though He demonstrated unparalleled authority over creation, disease, and demons, but of perfect obedience, unwavering resolve, and divine power to accomplish redemption. He "increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man" ([Luke 2:52](/luke/2-52 "Luke 2:52 - Jesus Grew in Wisdom and Stature")), demonstrating the very principle of the proverb in His human development. Through His life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, Christ displayed unparalleled strength over sin, death, and the grave, a strength rooted in divine wisdom and perfect knowledge of the Father's will. Believers, by being united with Christ and "strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might" ([Colossians 1:11](/colossians/1-11 "Colossians 1:11 - Strengthened by His Glorious Might")) and having the mind of Christ ([1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "1 Corinthians 2:16 - We Have the Mind of Christ")), are called to partake in this divine wisdom and strength, enabling them to live lives of profound spiritual power that far transcends any earthly measure, reflecting the very character of the One in whom all wisdom and strength reside.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 7:19

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

Proverbs 21:22

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

Colossians 1:11

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Proverbs 10:29

¶ The way of the LORD [is] strength to the upright: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Proverbs 8:14

Counsel [is] mine, and sound wisdom: I [am] understanding; I have strength.

Psalms 84:7

They go from strength to strength, [every one of them] in Zion appeareth before God.