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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 24:21 My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/24-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/20_Pro_24_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 24:21 - Do not Envy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/24-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/24-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/24.htm">Chapter 24</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/24-20.htm" title="Proverbs 24:20">◄</a> Proverbs 24:21 <a href="/proverbs/24-22.htm" title="Proverbs 24:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/24.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/24.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with rebellious officials,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/24.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />My child, fear the LORD and the king. Don’t associate with rebels,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: <i>and</i> meddle not with them that are given to change:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those given to change;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not get involved with those of high rank,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those who are given to change,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those who are given to change;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />My son, fear Yahweh and the king; Do not associate with those who change,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD and the king; And do not associate with those who are given to change [of allegiance, and are revolutionary],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD, as well as the king, and don’t associate with rebels,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD, as well as the king, and don&#8217t associate with rebels, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />My son, fear thou Jehovah and the king; And company not with them that are given to change:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />My children, you must respect the LORD and the king, and you must not make friends with anyone who rebels against either of them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Fear the LORD, my son. Fear the king as well. Do not associate with those who always insist upon change,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Have reverence for the LORD, my child, and honor the king. Have nothing to do with people who rebel against them; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />My son, fear both the LORD and the king, and don't keep company with rebels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Fear the LORD, my child, as well as the king, and do not associate with rebels, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD and the king. Do not join those who are rebellious:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />My son, fear Yahweh and the king. Don’t join those who are rebellious, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Fear YHWH, my son, and the king, "" Do not mix yourself up with changers,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Fear Jehovah, my son, and the king, With changers mix not up thyself,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />My son, fear thou Jehovah and the king: thou shalt not intermingle with those changing:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />My son, fear the Lord and the king: and have nothing to do with detracters. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />My son, fear the Lord, as well as the king. And do not mingle with detractors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD and the king; have nothing to do with those who hate them; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />My child, fear the LORD and the king, and do not disobey either of them;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD and give good counsel; and meddle not with the fools;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Stand in awe, my son, of LORD JEHOVAH, and give counsel, and do not mingle with fools.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />My son, fear thou the LORD and the king, And meddle not with them that are given to change;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>My</i> son, fear God and the king; and do not disobey either of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/24-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4969" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/24.htm">Do not Envy</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">My son,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: yə·rā- (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: wā·me·leḵ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">and the king,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">and do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6148.htm" title="6148: tiṯ·‘ā·rāḇ (V-Hitpael-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to braid, i.e. Intermix; technically, to traffic; also or give to be security.">associate</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘i·mō·šō- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/8138.htm" title="8138: šō·w·nîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To repeat, do again. A primitive root; to fold, i.e. Duplicate; by implication, to transmute.">the rebellious.</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (N-msc) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-7</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-17</a></span><br />Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. / For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Titus 3:1</a></span><br />Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1-2</a></span><br />First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a></span><br />“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a></span><br />He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-17.htm">Daniel 4:17</a></span><br />This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:2-5</a></span><br />Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. / Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. / For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23</a></span><br />For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm">Jeremiah 29:7</a></span><br />Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a></span><br />Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a></span><br />But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-3.htm">1 Kings 2:3</a></span><br />And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">Deuteronomy 17:12</a></span><br />But the man who acts presumptuously, refusing to listen either to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Exodus 22:28</a></span><br />You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">My son, fear you the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:</p><p class="hdg">fear</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/14-31.htm">Exodus 14:31</a></b></br> And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6</a></b></br> And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he <i>is</i> the anointed of the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:2-5</a></b></br> I <i>counsel thee</i> to keep the king's commandment, and <i>that</i> in regard of the oath of God… </p><p class="hdg">meddle</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/16-1.htm">Numbers 16:1-3</a></b></br> Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took <i>men</i>: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">1 Samuel 8:5-7</a></b></br> And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/12-12.htm">1 Samuel 12:12-19</a></b></br> And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God <i>was</i> your king… </p><p class="hdg">given to change </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/22-24.htm">Associate</a> <a href="/psalms/126-1.htm">Change</a> <a href="/john/2-15.htm">Changers</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Company</a> <a href="/psalms/17-3.htm">Disobey</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-9.htm">Either</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-18.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-7.htm">High</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-20.htm">Join</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Meddle</a> <a href="/psalms/106-35.htm">Mix</a> <a href="/job/12-19.htm">Positions</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-11.htm">Rebellious</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-19.htm">Thyself</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/8-9.htm">Associate</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-5.htm">Change</a> <a href="/matthew/21-12.htm">Changers</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-24.htm">Company</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-13.htm">Disobey</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-9.htm">Either</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-16.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-22.htm">High</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Join</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-5.htm">Meddle</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-22.htm">Mix</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-22.htm">Positions</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">Rebellious</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-27.htm">Thyself</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Precepts and Warnings</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>My son</b><br>This phrase indicates a personal and intimate address, often used in wisdom literature to convey a fatherly or mentor-like guidance. It suggests a relationship of care and authority, emphasizing the importance of the advice that follows. In the context of Proverbs, it reflects the tradition of passing down wisdom from one generation to the next, a common practice in ancient Israelite culture.<p><b>fear the LORD</b><br>The fear of the LORD is a central theme in Proverbs and is considered the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). It implies a deep respect, reverence, and awe for God, acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness. This fear is not about terror but about recognizing God's authority and aligning one's life with His will. It is foundational for a righteous life and is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:13</a> and <a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a>.<p><b>and the king</b><br>In ancient Israel, the king was seen as God's appointed ruler, responsible for maintaining justice and order. Respecting the king was akin to respecting God's established authority on earth. This phrase underscores the importance of honoring both divine and earthly authority, as seen in <a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1-7</a>, where Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities. The king's role was to execute God's justice, and fearing the king meant acknowledging his God-given position.<p><b>and do not associate with the rebellious</b><br>Rebellion against authority, whether divine or earthly, is discouraged throughout the Bible. The rebellious are those who reject God's commandments and the established order, often leading to chaos and destruction. In the historical context, associating with such individuals could lead to personal and communal downfall, as seen in the stories of Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16) and Absalom's revolt (2 Samuel 15). This warning aligns with New Testament teachings, such as <a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a>, which cautions against bad company corrupting good character.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The sovereign God of Israel, the Creator, and Sustainer of all things. In the context of Proverbs, He is the source of wisdom and the one to be revered above all.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_king.htm">The King</a></b><br>Represents earthly authority and governance. In ancient Israel, the king was seen as God's appointed ruler, responsible for maintaining justice and order.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_rebellious.htm">The Rebellious</a></b><br>Those who reject authority, both divine and earthly. They are characterized by a spirit of defiance and disobedience.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_divine_authority.htm">Reverence for Divine Authority</a></b><br>Recognize that fearing the LORD is foundational to wisdom. It involves a deep respect and awe for God's power and holiness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_earthly_authority.htm">Respect for Earthly Authority</a></b><br>Understand that earthly rulers are placed by God to maintain order. Respecting them is part of our duty as Christians, unless their commands directly contradict God's laws.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_rebellion.htm">Avoiding Rebellion</a></b><br>Be cautious of associating with those who are rebellious. Their influence can lead us away from God's path and into disobedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_allegiances.htm">Balancing Allegiances</a></b><br>While we are called to respect earthly authorities, our ultimate allegiance is to God. When conflicts arise, God's commands take precedence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_associations.htm">Wisdom in Associations</a></b><br>Choose your companions wisely. Surround yourself with those who encourage respect for both divine and earthly authority.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 24</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_fear_god_and_king_despite_corrupt_kings.htm">Proverbs 24:21–22: Why is fearing both God and the king endorsed, given numerous biblical accounts of corrupt or idolatrous kings? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_was_david_punished_for_a_census.htm">Why was David punished for conducting a census?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_unguided_armies_win_if_god_grants_victory.htm">Proverbs 21:31: If ultimate victory comes from God rather than human effort, why does history record victories by armies and leaders who seem to have no divine guidance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_cherethites_in_the_bible.htm">What are the visions and prophecies of Gad?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/24.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">Them that are given to change.--</span>Perhaps rather, <span class= "ital">those who think differently.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 21, 22.</span> - An injunction urging loyalty to God and the king. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Fear thou the Lord and the king.</span> The king is God's vicegerent and representative, and therefore to be honoured and obeyed (see <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:2</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20</a>; <a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm">1 Peter 2:17</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Meddle not with them that are given to change.</span> There is some doubt about the intepretation of the last word <span class="hebrew">שׁונִים</span> (<span class="accented">shonim</span>), which may mean those who change, innovators (in which transitive sense the verb does not elsewhere occur), or those who think differently, dissidents, who respect neither God nor the king. The verb <span class="hebrew">שָׁנָה</span> signifies transitively "to repeat," and intransitively "to be changed;" so it may be most accurately translated here, with Delitzsch, "those who are otherwise disposed," who have not the proper sentiments of fear and honour for God and the king. St. Jerome has, <span class="accented">Et cum detractoribus non commiscearis</span>, by which word he probably means what we call revolutionists, persons who disparage and despise all authority. Septuagint, "Fear God and the king, and disobey neither of them." The verse has been largely used as a text by preachers who desired to recommend loyalty and to censure disaffection and rebellion. It has been a favourite motto for discourses on the Gunpowder Treason and the execution of Charles I. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/24-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">My son,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fear</span><br /><span class="heb">יְרָֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(yə·rā-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the king,</span><br /><span class="heb">וָמֶ֑לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(wā·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">associate</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּתְעָרָֽב׃</span> <span class="translit">(tiṯ·‘ā·rāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6148.htm">Strong's 6148: </a> </span><span class="str2">To braid, intermix, technically, to traffic, give to be security</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="heb">עִם־</span> <span class="translit">(‘i·mō·šō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the rebellious.</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁ֝וֹנִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(w·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8138.htm">Strong's 8138: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fold, duplicate, to transmute</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/24-21.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 24:21 My son fear Yahweh and the king (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/24-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 24:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 24:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/24-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 24:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 24:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>