Proverbs 22:29
Proverbs 22:29 in Multiple Translations
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.
Have you seen a man who is expert in his business? he will take his place before kings; his place will not be among low persons.
If you see someone skilled in what they do, they'll work for kings and not for ordinary people.
Thou seest that a diligent man in his businesse standeth before Kings, and standeth not before the base sort.
Hast thou seen a man speedy in his business? Before kings he doth station himself, He stations not himself before obscure men!
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won’t serve obscure men.
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men .
Hast thou seen a man swift in his work? he shall stand before kings, and shall not be before those that are obscure.
Know/Learn [RHQ] this about those who do their work very skillfully: They will quit working for ordinary people and will start working for kings because the kings will want people like that to work for them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 22:29
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 22:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חָזִ֡יתָ
אִ֤ישׁ
מָ֘הִ֤יר
בִּ/מְלַאכְתּ֗/וֹ
לִֽ/פְנֵֽי
מְלָכִ֥ים
יִתְיַצָּ֑ב
בַּל
יִ֝תְיַצֵּב
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
חֲשֻׁכִּֽים
חָזִ֡יתָ
châzâh
H2372
to see
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
אִ֤ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מָ֘הִ֤יר
mâhîyr
H4106
quick
Adj
בִּ/מְלַאכְתּ֗/וֹ
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
work
Prep | N-fs | Suff
לִֽ/פְנֵֽי
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
מְלָכִ֥ים
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
יִתְיַצָּ֑ב
yâtsab
H3320
to stand
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
בַּל
bal
H1077
not
Part
יִ֝תְיַצֵּב
yâtsab
H3320
to stand
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
חֲשֻׁכִּֽים
châshôk
H2823
obscure
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 22:29
חָזִ֡יתָ
châzâh
H2372
"to see"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
Chazah means to see or perceive, and can also mean to have a vision or prophesy. It is used to describe seeing something with your eyes or in your mind.
Definition: 1) to see, perceive, look, behold, prophesy, provide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to see, behold 1a2) to see as a seer in the ecstatic state 1a3) to see, perceive 1a3a) with the intelligence 1a3b) to see (by experience) 1a3c) to provide Aramaic equivalent: cha.zah (חֲזָה "to see" H2370)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: behold, look, prophesy, provide, see. See also: Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 24:32; Psalms 11:4.
אִ֤ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מָ֘הִ֤יר
mâhîyr
H4106
"quick"
Adj
The Hebrew word for quick or skilled, used to describe someone who is diligent or ready, like a skilled worker. It appears in various forms, conveying a sense of promptness or haste.
Definition: quick, prompt, skilled, ready
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: diligent, hasty, ready. See also: Ezra 7:6; Proverbs 22:29; Psalms 45:2.
בִּ/מְלַאכְתּ֗/וֹ
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
"work"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Means work or employment, like a job or business, and is used to describe someone's occupation or the result of their labor, as seen in the Bible's description of various professions and industries.
Definition: 1) occupation, work, business 1a) occupation, business 1b) property 1c) work (something done or made) 1d) workmanship 1e) service, use 1f) public business 1f1) political 1f2) religious
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship). See also: Genesis 2:2; 1 Chronicles 9:13; Psalms 73:28.
לִֽ/פְנֵֽי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מְלָכִ֥ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
יִתְיַצָּ֑ב
yâtsab
H3320
"to stand"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
To stand or place something firmly is what this word means, and it's used in the Bible to describe presenting oneself or standing firm in faith, as seen in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to place, set, stand, set or station oneself, present oneself 1a) (Hithpael) to station oneself, take one's stand, stand, present oneself, stand with someone Aramaic equivalent: ye.tsav (יְצַב "to know" H3321)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up). See also: Exodus 2:4; 1 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 2:2.
בַּל
bal
H1077
"not"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means not or nothing, often used to show something is absent or non-existent. It appears in various forms, like lest or neither. The KJV Bible translates it in different ways, including not or none.
Definition: not, hardly, else
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: lest, neither, no, none (that...), not (any), nothing. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 140:12; Psalms 10:4.
יִ֝תְיַצֵּב
yâtsab
H3320
"to stand"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
To stand or place something firmly is what this word means, and it's used in the Bible to describe presenting oneself or standing firm in faith, as seen in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to place, set, stand, set or station oneself, present oneself 1a) (Hithpael) to station oneself, take one's stand, stand, present oneself, stand with someone Aramaic equivalent: ye.tsav (יְצַב "to know" H3321)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up). See also: Exodus 2:4; 1 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 2:2.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
חֲשֻׁכִּֽים
châshôk
H2823
"obscure"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something is hard to understand or unclear, like a puzzle. It is used to describe things that are obscure or insignificant. This word is used in various books, including the Psalms.
Definition: obscure, insignificant, low
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: meaning See also: Proverbs 22:29.
Study Notes — Proverbs 22:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 22:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:29
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:29
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:29
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:29
- Sermons on Proverbs 22:29
Context — Saying 6
27If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
28Do not move an ancient boundary stone which your fathers have placed.
29Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 11:28 | Now Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. So when Solomon noticed that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph. |
| 2 | Matthew 25:21 | His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’ |
| 3 | Proverbs 12:24 | The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. |
| 4 | Matthew 25:23 | His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’ |
| 5 | Proverbs 10:4 | Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 9:10 | Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. |
| 7 | Genesis 41:46 | Now Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt. |
| 8 | Romans 12:11 | Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 10:8 | How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! |
| 10 | 2 Timothy 4:2 | Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. |
Proverbs 22:29 Summary
[This verse means that if you are very good at what you do, you will be noticed and valued by important people, like kings. Being skilled in your work is like having a special gift that can open doors to new opportunities, as seen in Proverbs 18:16. It's like when you're really good at a sport or a musical instrument, and people want you to be on their team or perform for them. When you work hard to develop your skills and abilities, you can trust that God will use them to bring you before great people and opportunities, as seen in Daniel 1:19-20.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'skilled in his work' in Proverbs 22:29?
Being skilled in one's work means having a high level of competence and expertise, as seen in Exodus 35:35, where Bezalel is described as being filled with the Spirit of God, giving him skill in various crafts.
Why will a skilled worker 'be stationed in the presence of kings'?
A skilled worker will be recognized and valued by those in positions of authority, such as kings, because their work is of high quality and brings benefit to others, as seen in Proverbs 22:29 and supported by Proverbs 18:16, which says that a man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.
What is the contrast between standing before kings and standing before obscure men?
The contrast highlights the difference between being recognized and valued by those in positions of power and influence, versus being unknown or overlooked by those of lesser importance, emphasizing the idea that skill and expertise can lead to greater opportunities and recognition, as seen in Daniel 1:19-20, where Daniel's skills and wisdom bring him before King Nebuchadnezzar.
How can I apply the principle of being skilled in my work to my own life?
You can apply this principle by striving for excellence in your work, being diligent and persevering, and seeking to develop your skills and abilities, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24, which says to do your work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can develop greater skill and expertise, and how can I start working on those areas today?
- How can I use my skills and abilities to serve and benefit others, and what opportunities might be available to me as a result?
- What does it mean to 'stand before kings' in a spiritual sense, and how can I cultivate a sense of humility and dependence on God as I seek to serve and influence others?
- In what ways can I prioritize excellence and diligence in my work, even when it's difficult or challenging, and how can I trust God to provide the strength and wisdom I need to persevere?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:29
Seest thou a man diligent in his business?.... In the business of his calling, be it what it will, whether for himself or his master; constant in it, swift, ready, and expeditious at it; who
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:29
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Seest thou a man diligent in his business?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:29
Diligent; or, expeditious, as the word properly signifies; one of quick despatch, vigorous and speedy in executing what hath been well and wisely contrived. He shall stand before kings; he is fit to be employed in the affairs of the greatest princes.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:29
Proverbs 22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men].Ver. 29. Seest thou a man diligent.] God loves nimbleness; "what thou doest, do quickly," said Christ to Judas, though it were so ill a business that he was about. Princes love such, and employ them, as Pharaoh did Joseph, and those that were men of activity among his brethren. Solomon also made use of Jeroboam for the same reason, though that was not the wisest act that ever he did. How dear was Daniel to Darius, because, though sick, yet he despatched the king’ s business! What favourites to our Henry VIII were Wolsey, Cromwell, Cranmer, for like reason! A diligent man shall not sit long in a low place. Or if he do all the days of his life, yet if his diligence proceed out of conscience, "he shall stand before the King" of kings when he dies. And surely if Solomon’ s servants were held happy for this, and the greatest reward Solomon could promise the diligent is this in the text, what an inconceivable honour must it needs be to look for ever upon the face of God, and, angel-like, stand in his presence!
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:29
(29) He shall stand before kings.—Shall attend upon them as their minister. (Comp. Genesis 41:46.) This verse is a tristich, containing three lines.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:29
Verse 29. He shalt not stand before mean men.] חשכים chashukkim, dark or obscure persons; men of no repute. Na he schal ben before un-noble men. - Old MS. Bible. "Not amonge the symple people." - Coverdale. The general meaning of the proverb is, "Every diligent, active man, shall be at once independent and respectable."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:29
29. stand before] Comp. 1 Kings 10:8. mean] “Heb. obscure” R.V. marg.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:29
The gift of a quick and ready intellect is to lead to high office, it is not to be wasted on a work to which the obscure are adequate.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:29
29. Diligent — Quick, active, prompt, skilled in business. Such a man will attract the attention of those above him — rulers, princes, kings; and he will be called into the public service — he will
Sermons on Proverbs 22:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Lessons From Daniel by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dark days in Israel described in the first two verses of the Bible. The people of God are in captivity in Babylon under the rule of Nebuch |
|
The Sin of Covetousness by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of convenient, non-scriptural religion, highlighting the importance of living a holy life free from sins like fornication, uncleanness, and covet |
|
Ict Meeting on Logos 20.9.83 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and unpredictability of doing God's work in Brahman. They mention the lack of funds and the need to be flexible in their transp |
|
From the Death of Alexander the Great to the Death of Judas Maccabeus by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus preaches about the wise and courageous actions of Joseph, a man who cleverly managed the farming of taxes in Syria, gained the favor of King Ptolemy, and secured h |
|
That Will Do! by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the detrimental impact of the phrase 'That will do!' which signifies settling for mediocrity instead of striving for excellence. He argues that this mindset |
|
The Law of Life by James Blaine Chapman | James Blaine Chapman preaches about the significance of the present time and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents. He emphasizes that each generation faces its own d |
|
On Mr. Rudyard Kipling and Making the World Small by Gilbert K. Chesterton | Gilbert K. Chesterton delivers a sermon on the importance of being interested in all subjects, emphasizing that the lack of interest, not the subject itself, makes something uninte |