Proverbs 21:22

22 One wise person went up against a city of warriors and brought down the stronghold in which they trusted.

Proverbs 21:22 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:22

A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty
Which makes good what is elsewhere said, that "wisdom is better than strength", ( Ecclesiastes 9:16 ) ; and sometimes more is done by prudence and wisdom, by art and cunning, by schemes and stratagems, than by power and force; especially in military affairs, and particularly in besieging and taking fortified cities; when one wise man, by his wisdom, may so order and manage things, as to be able, with a few under his command, to mount the walls of a city and take it, though defended by a mighty garrison in it. This may be applied to, our Lord Jesus Christ entering into the city of a man's heart, possessed by the strong man armed; overcoming him, taking from him his armour, and dividing his spoil, ( Luke 11:21 Luke 11:22 ) ; compare with this ( Ecclesiastes 9:14 Ecclesiastes 9:15 ) ; and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof;
the strong walls, bulwarks, and such fortifications, in which the mighty in the city placed their confidence: and the like does Christ, when he enters into the heart of a sinner by his word and spirit; he destroys all its former strong confidences, and brings it into subjection to himself, ( 2 Corinthians 10:4 2 Corinthians 10:5 ) .

Proverbs 21:22 In-Context

20 Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise, but the fool devours it.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor.
22 One wise person went up against a city of warriors and brought down the stronghold in which they trusted.
23 To watch over mouth and tongue is to keep out of trouble.
24 The proud, haughty person, named "Scoffer," acts with arrogant pride.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.