Proverbs 21:31

31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.

Proverbs 21:31 in Other Translations

KJV
31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
ESV
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.
NLT
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD .
MSG
31 Do your best, prepare for the worst - then trust God to bring victory.
CSB
31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the Lord.

Proverbs 21:31 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:31

The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle
The horse is a warlike creature, and was much used formerly, as now, in war; these are prepared against the day of battle, to mount the cavalry with; and men are apt to put too great confidence in them: this is mentioned instead of all other military preparations and instruments of war; but safety [is] of the Lord;
a horse is a vain thing for safety, ( Psalms 33:17 ) ; victory is only of the Lord; salvation depends upon him; it is he that covers men's heads in the day of battle, and gives them victory over their enemies: or "salvation [is] of the Lord" F15; this is true of spiritual and eternal salvation, as well as of temporal salvation; it is of the Lord, Father, Son and Spirit; and so is the safety of the saints; and their final perseverance to eternal glory, which is owing to the love of God, covenant interest, security in Christ, the grace of the Spirit, and the power of God; see ( Hosea 14:3 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F15 (hewvth hwhyl) "a Domino autem (datur) salus". Tigurine version; "Domino est salvatio", Cocceius; "Jehovae est salus", Schultens; so Junius & Tremellius, Mercerus, Gejerus.

Proverbs 21:31 In-Context

29 The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways.
30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Psalms 3:8; Psalms 33:12-19; Isaiah 31:1
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