Proverbs 21:31

31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to 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 A wicked man puts on a bold face, but an upright man considers his ways.
30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail against the LORD.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.