Proverbs 21:22

22 A wise man ascended into the city of (the) strong men, and destroyed the strength of [the] trust thereof.

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 Desirable treasure and oil is in the dwelling place of a just man; and an unprudent man shall destroy it. (Desirable treasure and oil be in the dwelling place of the wise; but an imprudent person shall destroy it all.)

21 He that followeth rightfulness and mercy, shall find life, [and rightwiseness,] and glory.

22 A wise man ascended into the city of (the) strong men, and destroyed the strength of [the] trust thereof.

23 He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue (under control), keepeth his soul from anguishes.

24 A proud man and (a) boaster is called a fool, (for) that (he) worketh (his) pride in ire.