Proverbs 24:5 kjv

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

Proverbs 24:5 nkjv

A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;

Proverbs 24:5 niv

The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.

Proverbs 24:5 esv

A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might,

Proverbs 24:5 nlt

The wise are mightier than the strong,
and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.

Proverbs 24 verses

Proverbs 24 5 Meaning

Proverbs 24:5 asserts that a wise person possesses a foundational strength, and an individual who cultivates knowledge further enhances or increases this strength. This proverb highlights that true power and effectiveness do not primarily come from mere physical might but from the application of wisdom and insightful understanding.

Proverbs 24 5 Context

Proverbs chapter 24 belongs to the section of the book known as "the sayings of the wise" (Prov 22:17–24:34). This specific chapter features a series of discrete two-line proverbs that offer moral instruction, warn against various vices, and praise the value of wisdom and diligent living. Verses immediately surrounding Prov 24:5 provide contrasts and lessons: earlier verses warn against envy of evil men, and later verses emphasize justice, consequences of action, and the benefits of labor and foresight. Prov 24:5 serves as a positive declaration, advocating for wisdom and knowledge as essential virtues, contrasting with themes of folly or short-sightedness prevalent elsewhere in the chapter. In a cultural context that valued physical prowess and military might, this proverb subtly redefines "strength," elevating the intellectual and ethical power of wisdom and knowledge.

Proverbs 24 5 Word analysis

• A wise man (גֶּבֶר חָכָם, gever chakam):
  • גֶּבֶר (gever): Signifies a strong man, a capable person, often implying vigor or distinction, distinguishing him from an ordinary "man" ('ish).
  • חָכָם (chakam): Pertains to wisdom, which in biblical thought is not merely intellectual acuity but practical skill, discernment, moral insight, and living according to God's established order.
  • Significance: Denotes an individual who embodies comprehensive practical wisdom, making them inherently robust in character and capability.
• is strong (בַּעוֹז, bə'oz):
  • עוֹז ('oz): Refers to strength, might, power, or valor, often connoting defense or steadfastness.
  • Significance: Suggests that wisdom itself provides a foundational, inherent, and resilient power.
• and a man of knowledge (וְאִישׁ דַּעַת, wə'ish da'at):
  • אִישׁ ('ish): A common term for a man or person.
  • דַּעַת (da'at): Refers to knowledge, understanding, discernment, and often implies experiential or relational knowledge (e.g., knowing God). It goes beyond mere information to include insight and comprehension.
  • Significance: Highlights a person characterized by deep, often acquired, understanding and insight.
• increases strength (מְאַמֶּץ כֹּחַ, mə'ammeṣ koaḥ):
  • מְאַמֶּץ (mə'ammeṣ): Hiphil participle of אָמַץ ('amaṣ), meaning "to make strong," "to strengthen," "to be courageous," or "to fortify."
  • כֹּחַ (koaḥ): General term for strength, power, or ability, can be physical, mental, or spiritual vigor.
  • Significance: Emphasizes that knowledge is not merely a static attribute but an active force that amplifies and augments one's existing strength, making one more potent and effective.

Words-group analysis

• "A wise man is strong": This phrase establishes that true wisdom provides a baseline, inherent, and enduring strength. This strength is qualitative, related to sound judgment, resilience, and capacity for right action rather than just physical might.
• "and a man of knowledge increases strength": This expands on the first clause, showing that beyond general wisdom, specific and practical knowledge actively adds to and expands that foundational strength. "Knowledge" here suggests a deeper, more refined understanding or strategic insight. The progression implies that while wisdom grants a robust inner fortitude, accumulated and applied knowledge provides the means to enhance that strength further, enabling greater effectiveness, endurance, and strategic advantage in various circumstances. It speaks of a dynamic process where understanding builds upon inherent virtue.

Proverbs 24 5 Bonus section

The distinction between "wise man" (gever chakam) and "man of knowledge" (ish da'at) could imply a subtle yet significant nuance: the "wise man" may represent a state of being—one whose life is ordered by God's truth—while the "man of knowledge" actively applies learned insights to fortify himself or even those around him. This proverb directly challenges worldly views of power that solely depend on might or wealth, elevating God-given wisdom and knowledge as the true sources of lasting influence and victory. It implicitly teaches that investing in learning and discernment is a superior strategy for success and security compared to relying on sheer force or superficial strength.

Proverbs 24 5 Commentary

Proverbs 24:5 profoundly reframes the concept of strength from physical prowess to intellectual and moral capability. It argues that a person characterized by wisdom, possessing practical discernment and a fear of the Lord, inherently stands strong against the challenges of life. This is not a strength of muscles but of character, resilience, and good judgment. Furthermore, an individual who diligently acquires knowledge—insight, understanding, and experiential learning—is able to actively increase this foundational strength. Knowledge provides the strategic advantage, the ability to plan, anticipate, and respond effectively, thus multiplying one's power and influence. In any "warfare," whether literal battle or the struggles of daily life, superior wisdom and well-applied knowledge are depicted as more formidable assets than brute force alone, enabling success where mere power would fail.