Proverbs 22:29 kjv
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Proverbs 22:29 nkjv
Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.
Proverbs 22:29 niv
Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.
Proverbs 22:29 esv
Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
Proverbs 22:29 nlt
Do you see any truly competent workers?
They will serve kings
rather than working for ordinary people.
Proverbs 22 29 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 41:40 | You shall be over my house... Only in the throne I will be greater than you. | Joseph's skill elevates him to second in command. |
| Deut 28:13 | The Lord will make you the head and not the tail... if you obey. | Diligence in obeying God leads to elevation. |
| Prov 10:4 | A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. | Diligence brings prosperity. |
| Prov 12:11 | Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread... | Hard work yields provision. |
| Prov 12:24 | The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. | Diligence leads to leadership and influence. |
| Prov 13:4 | The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. | Diligence ensures needs are met. |
| Prov 14:23 | In all toil there is profit... | All labor that is diligent is beneficial. |
| Prov 18:9 | Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. | Negligence is destructive. |
| Prov 21:5 | The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance... | Careful planning with diligence leads to wealth. |
| Prov 28:19 | Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread... | Reward for consistent labor. |
| Eccl 9:10 | Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might... | Exhortation to complete diligence in tasks. |
| Matt 25:21 | 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little... I will set you over much.' | Reward for faithfulness and stewardship. |
| Luke 16:10 | One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much... | Principle of faithfulness leading to greater responsibility. |
| Rom 12:11 | Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. | Spiritual diligence and earnestness. |
| 1 Cor 4:2 | Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. | Importance of reliability in entrusted work. |
| Col 3:23 | Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men... | Working with excellence for God's glory. |
| 1 Thes 4:11-12 | to work with your own hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders... | Honorable and self-sufficient work. |
| 2 Thes 3:10 | If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. | Condemnation of idleness and emphasis on work. |
| Titus 3:1 | ...to be submissive to rulers and authorities... to be ready for every good work... | Readiness to do good, implying diligent effort. |
| Heb 6:11-12 | ...that each one of you show the same diligence so as to have the full assurance of hope... | Spiritual diligence for perseverance and hope. |
| 2 Pet 1:5-8 | make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, etc. | Call to diligence in spiritual growth and character. |
| Ps 75:6-7 | For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west... but God is the judge. He puts down one, and exalts another. | God's ultimate sovereignty in promoting individuals. |
| 1 Sam 2:7-8 | The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and also exalts. | God's power in human destiny and elevation. |
Proverbs 22 verses
Proverbs 22 29 Meaning
Proverbs 22:29 declares that a person who is exceptionally skilled, prompt, and proficient in their work will gain recognition and be brought into the presence of significant figures, such as kings, rather than remaining among those of no influence. This verse highlights the direct correlation between diligence, expertise, and advancement, implying that dedication to one's craft naturally leads to opportunities for greater impact and higher societal standing.
Proverbs 22 29 Context
Proverbs chapter 22 is part of "the words of the wise," a collection of ethical maxims offering practical instruction for successful living, particularly for young men. The chapter covers a wide array of topics, including the value of a good name, the rich and the poor, training children, wisdom in dealing with others, and warnings against various pitfalls. Verse 29 fits into the theme of vocational excellence and its societal rewards. Historically, this proverb would have been understood within a patriarchal, agrarian, and hierarchical society where skilled labor and faithful service were highly valued. Advancement in such a society often came through demonstrating exceptional ability and reliability, which could lead to being noticed and promoted by those in authority, including tribal leaders or even the king, the highest authority figure. There are no direct polemics here, but it subtly contrasts the reliable, diligent individual with the inefficient and slothful, indirectly rebuking the latter's tendencies often described elsewhere in Proverbs.
Proverbs 22 29 Word analysis
- Seest (הָרָאִיתָ, hā-rā'î-tā): This rhetorical question draws the reader's attention, inviting observation and consideration of a self-evident truth. It implies a direct recognition or a notable characteristic.
- man (אִישׁ, ish): Refers to an individual person, applicable to anyone.
- diligent (מָהִיר, māhîr): A key term meaning swift, skillful, quick, expert, or prompt. It conveys more than just "hard work"; it implies proficiency, efficiency, and excellence in one's craft. It describes someone not just busy but competent and effective.
- in his work (בִּמְלַאכְתּוֹ, bimlaḵtô): Refers to one's occupation, business, or task. It indicates the specific arena where diligence and skill are applied.
- He shall stand before kings (לִפְנֵי מְלָכִים יִתְיַצֵּב, lifnê mĕlāḵîm yityattzēḇ): "Stand before" (יִתְיַצֵּב) signifies being presented, affirmed, or having a prominent position in their presence. "Kings" (מְלָכִים) represent the highest echelon of society, those with power and influence. This is a metaphorical statement indicating attainment of honor, high position, and access to decision-makers and significant opportunities. It doesn't necessarily mean literally meeting a monarch, but achieving high regard and influence.
- he shall not stand before obscure men (בַּל לִפְנֵי חֲשֻׁכִּים, bal lifnê khašukim): "Not" (בַּל) emphasizes the contrast. "Obscure men" (חֲשֻׁכִּים) comes from a root meaning "dark" or "hidden," referring to those of low status, unknown, insignificant, or without influence. The contrast underscores that skill elevates one beyond mundane, overlooked positions.
Word-Group Analysis:
- "Seest a man diligent in his work": This phrase calls attention to individuals who demonstrate exceptional capability and commitment in their chosen profession or task. It sets the condition for the promised outcome. The emphasis is on demonstrated, observable quality.
- "He shall stand before kings, he shall not stand before obscure men": This entire phrase presents the consequence of such diligence and skill. It's a statement of assured upward mobility and social elevation. The outcome is not accidental; it is the natural, often divinely ordained, result of devoted craftsmanship. The contrasting parallelism highlights the significant leap from obscurity to prominence.
Proverbs 22 29 Bonus section
The principle articulated in Proverbs 22:29 resonates not only in a professional sense but also spiritually. God Himself values faithfulness and diligent service, as seen in the parables of the talents and the minas (Matt 25, Luke 19). Believers are encouraged to use their God-given gifts and ministries with utmost diligence and skill, not merely going through the motions (Col 3:23-24). Such diligence in spiritual matters often results in greater responsibility, spiritual growth, and the ability to serve in more impactful ways for the Kingdom. The "kings" in a spiritual sense could represent broader platforms for ministry or deeper levels of trust and influence given by God. It also implicitly highlights the Creator as the ultimate "King" who observes and rewards diligent service, a principle often missed if one focuses only on worldly promotion.
Proverbs 22 29 Commentary
Proverbs 22:29 is a principle that rings true in every age: exceptional skill combined with consistent diligence commands recognition and creates opportunities. This is not about human ambition in a prideful sense, but the natural consequence of dedicating oneself fully to a craft or task. When an individual performs their duties not just adequately, but with precision, swiftness, and excellence (the nuance of māhîr), their competence becomes evident. This excellence eventually catches the attention of those who can utilize such talent for more significant endeavors. The "kings" symbolize positions of power, influence, and greater scope for one's abilities. Conversely, one avoids remaining in situations or circles where potential is unnoticed or wasted among "obscure men," those of little account. The verse serves as both an observation of a societal truth and an encouragement for individuals, whether in spiritual service or vocational pursuits, to cultivate and employ their gifts to the best of their ability, knowing that such stewardship often leads to divine or natural elevation. It's a call to mastery and a promise of opportunity for those who genuinely strive for it.