Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 21:22 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence. "
Proverbs 21:22
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up.
21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence.
23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
24 The proud and arrogant man—“Scoffer” is his name— he works in the arrogance of pride.
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People who have power often expect great things from it. A strong city thinks it cannot be taken, and so its strength becomes its confidence, the thing it boasts in and relies on. It feels safe and challenges any danger.
But people with wisdom, even if they do not make big claims, often accomplish great things. They can succeed against those who trust in their own strength by using good judgment. Wise planning can go far even against strong force, and a well-managed strategy can scale the city of the mighty and break down the strength it trusted in.
A wise person can also win people over by reason and good judgment, which is a nobler victory than winning by arms. People who understand their own good will gladly submit to a wise and good leader, and even the strongest walls cannot hold out forever against that kind of wisdom.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 21:1
"The king’s heart is in the LORD’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires."
Proverbs 21:2
"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts."
Proverbs 21:3
"To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."
Proverbs 21:4
"A high look and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin."
Proverbs 21:5
"The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty."
Proverbs 21:6
"Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death."
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