Proverbs 21:22

22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.

Proverbs 21:22 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
English Standard Version (ESV)
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
New Living Translation (NLT)
22 The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.
The Message Bible (MSG)
22 One sage entered a whole city of armed soldiers - their trusted defenses fell to pieces!
American Standard Version (ASV)
22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
22 A wise man attacks a city of warriors and pulls down the strong defenses in which they trust.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
22 The wise conquer a city of warriors and bring down its mighty fortress.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
22 Those who are wise can attack a strong city. They can pull down the place of safety its people trust in.

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 The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.
22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.
24 The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name— behaves with insolent fury.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Proverbs 8:14; Ecclesiastes 9:15-16
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.