A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust. A wise manThe Hebrew word for "wise" is "חָכָם" (chakam), which denotes not just intellectual acumen but a deep, practical understanding rooted in the fear of the Lord. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with righteousness and moral integrity. A wise man, therefore, is someone who aligns his life with God's principles, demonstrating discernment and insight that surpass mere human knowledge. This wisdom is a gift from God, enabling the individual to navigate life's complexities with divine guidance. scales
The term "scales" suggests an action of overcoming or conquering. In Hebrew, the word "עָלָה" (alah) means to go up, ascend, or climb. This implies effort, determination, and strategic planning. The wise man's ability to scale the city signifies his capability to rise above challenges and obstacles, using wisdom as his tool to achieve what might seem impossible to others. the city of the mighty
The "city of the mighty" represents a place of strength and power, often fortified and seemingly impenetrable. In ancient times, cities were protected by walls and strongholds, symbolizing security and dominance. The "mighty" refers to those who possess physical strength or military power. However, the verse suggests that true strength lies not in physical might but in wisdom, which can penetrate even the most formidable defenses. and pulls down
The phrase "pulls down" indicates a decisive action of dismantling or overthrowing. The Hebrew word "יָרַד" (yarad) conveys the idea of bringing something down from a high place. This action is not merely destructive but transformative, as it involves removing false securities and misplaced trust. The wise man's ability to pull down signifies the power of wisdom to dismantle strongholds of deception and false confidence. the stronghold
A "stronghold" is a place of refuge or defense, often a fortress or a fortified city. In Hebrew, "מִבְצָר" (mivtsar) refers to a place of safety and protection. Spiritually, strongholds can represent entrenched patterns of sin or false beliefs that people rely on for security. The verse highlights the futility of trusting in earthly strongholds, emphasizing that true security is found in God alone. in which they trust
Trust, in Hebrew "בָּטַח" (batach), implies reliance and confidence. The verse critiques the misplaced trust of the mighty in their physical defenses and human strength. It serves as a reminder that such trust is ultimately futile. The wise man, by contrast, places his trust in God, whose wisdom enables him to overcome even the most daunting challenges. This trust in divine wisdom and strength is the foundation of true security and victory. Persons / Places / Events 1. Wise ManRepresents a person who possesses godly wisdom, discernment, and understanding. In the context of Proverbs, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord and living according to His principles. 2. City of the MightySymbolizes a place of strength and security, often fortified and protected by powerful individuals or forces. In ancient times, cities were centers of power and influence. 3. StrongholdRefers to a fortified place or a source of security and confidence. In this verse, it represents the reliance on human strength or worldly power. Teaching Points The Power of Godly WisdomGodly wisdom enables believers to overcome challenges and obstacles that seem insurmountable by human standards. It is not about physical strength but about spiritual insight and discernment. Trust in God, Not in Worldly StrengthThe verse warns against placing trust in human power or worldly strongholds. True security comes from reliance on God and His wisdom. Spiritual Warfare and StrongholdsBelievers are called to engage in spiritual warfare, using the wisdom and power of God to tear down strongholds of sin, false beliefs, and worldly systems. The Role of Wisdom in LeadershipWise leadership can bring down the "strongholds" of injustice, corruption, and oppression, leading to righteous governance and peace. Practical Application of WisdomIn daily life, applying godly wisdom can lead to overcoming personal challenges, resolving conflicts, and making decisions that honor God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of a "wise man" in Proverbs 21:22 challenge our understanding of strength and power in today's society? 2. In what ways can we identify and bring down "strongholds" in our personal lives that may be hindering our spiritual growth? 3. How does the wisdom described in Proverbs 21:22 relate to the spiritual armor and weapons mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5? 4. Reflect on a situation where you relied on godly wisdom rather than human strength. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from it? 5. How can we cultivate the kind of wisdom that enables us to "scale the city of the mighty" in our communities and workplaces? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 24:5-6These verses highlight the value of wisdom and understanding in achieving victory and success, similar to how a wise man can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5Paul speaks about spiritual warfare and the power of divine wisdom to demolish strongholds, paralleling the idea of overcoming worldly powers through godly wisdom. Ecclesiastes 9:13-18This passage tells the account of a poor wise man who saves a city, emphasizing the power of wisdom over physical strength and might. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Attacks, Bringeth, Brings, Casteth, Confidence, Faith, Goes, Mighty, Ones, Overcomes, Pulls, Scales, Scaleth, Strength, Strong, Stronghold, Thereof, Town, Trust, Trusteth, Wherein, WiseDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 21:22 8365 wisdom, human Library Definition of Actual Grace
1. GENERAL NOTION OF GRACE.--The best way to arrive at a correct definition of actual grace is by the synthetic method. We therefore begin with the general notion of grace. Like "nature,"(3) grace (gratia, {GREEK SMALL LETTER CHI}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA WITH OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER RHO}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA}) is a word of wide reach, used in a great variety of senses. Habert(4) enumerates no less than fourteen; which, however, may be reduced to four. a) Subjectively, …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and HabitualEpistle xxi. To Constantina Augusta .
To Constantina Augusta [1593] . Gregory to Constantina, &c. Almighty God, who holds in His right hand the heart of your Piety, both protects us through you and prepares for you rewards of eternal remuneration for temporal deeds. For I have learnt from the letters of the deacon Sabinianus my responsalis with what justice your Serenity is interested in the cause of the blessed Prince of the apostles Peter against certain persons who are proudly humble and feignedly kind. And I trust in the bounty …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Epistle Cvi. To Syagrius, Ætherius, virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops .
To Syagrius, Ætherius, Virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops [65] . Gregory to Syagrius of Augustodunum (Autun), Etherius of Lugdunum (Lyons), Virgilius of Aretale (Arles), and Desiderius of Vienna (Vienne), bishops of Gaul. A paribus. Our Head, which is Christ, has to this end willed us to be His members, that through the bond of charity and faith He might make us one body in Himself. And to Him it befits us so to adhere in heart, that, since without Him we can be nothing, through Him we may …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great How the Slothful and the Hasty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 16.) Differently to be admonished are the slothful and the hasty. For the former are to be persuaded not to lose, by putting it off, the good they have to do; but the latter are to be admonished lest, while they forestall the time of good deeds by inconsiderate haste, they change their meritorious character. To the slothful therefore it is to be intimated, that often, when we will not do at the right time what we can, before long, when we will, we cannot. For the very indolence of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others, but Keep their Own; and those who Give of their Own, yet Seize
(Admonition 22.) Differently to be admonished are those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own, and those who give of what they have, and yet desist not from seizing on what belongs to others. Those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own are to be admonished to consider carefully that the earth out of which they are taken is common to all men, and therefore brings forth nourishment for all in common. Vainly, then, do those suppose …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy. Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 21:22 NIVProverbs 21:22 NLTProverbs 21:22 ESVProverbs 21:22 NASBProverbs 21:22 KJV
Proverbs 21:22 Commentaries
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