Proverbs 22:29

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? etc.] 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 industriously pursues it, cheerfully attends it, makes quick dispatch of it; does it off of hand, at once, and is not slothful in it, nor weary of it; when you have observed and taken notice of such a man, which is not very common, you may, without a spirit of prophecy, foresee that such a man will rise in the world; he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men], or “obscure persons”f616; he shall not continue in the service of ignoble persons, or keep company with them; but he…”

“Success rewards diligence (Pro 10:4; Pro 21:5). Next: Proverbs Chapter 23”

“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. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Proverbs 22". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/proverbs-22.html. 1870. StudyLight.org © 2001-2026 Powered by Lightspeed Technology”

“Before kings - He is fit to be employed in the affairs of princes. Next: Proverbs Chapter 23”

“22:29 Saying 5: Those who hone their skills and work hard will have the best jobs and work for the best people.”

“a man: Pro 10:4, Pro 12:24; Kg1 11:28; Ecc 9:10; Mat 25:21, Mat 25:23; Rom 12:11; Ti2 4:2 he shall stand: That is, he shall have the honour of serving kings; as the phrase denotes. mean men: Heb. obscure men Next: Proverbs Chapter 23”

“After these four proverbs beginning with אל, a new series begins with the following tristich: 29 Seest thou a man who is expert in his calling - Before kings may he stand; Not stand before obscure men; i.e., he can enter into the service of kings, and needs not to enter into the service of mean men = he is entitled to claim the highest official post. חזית, in Pro 26:12 = Pro 29:20, interchanging with ראית, is perf. hypotheticum (cf. Pro 24:10; Pro 25:16): si videris; the conclusion which might begin with דּע כּי expresses further what he who sees will have occasion to observe. Rightly Luther: Sihestu einen Man endelich (vid., at Pro 21:5) in seinem geschefft, u.s.w. = seest thou a man expert…”