Proverbs 21:22

22 A 1wise man scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

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 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.
21 He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.
24 "Proud," "Haughty," "Scoffer," are his names, Who acts with insolent pride.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 2 Samuel 5:6-9; Proverbs 24:5; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Ecclesiastes 9:15, 16

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Lit "strength of trust"
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