CINXE.COM

<!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 30:22 a servant who becomes king, a fool who is filled with food,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/30-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/20_Pro_30_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 30:22 - The Words of Agur" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="a servant who becomes king, a fool who is filled with food," /><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/30-22.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/30-22.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/30.htm">Chapter 30</a> > Verse 22</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="/ad2.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/30-21.htm" title="Proverbs 30:21">◄</a> Proverbs 30:22 <a href="/proverbs/30-23.htm" title="Proverbs 30:23">►</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/30.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/30.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />a servant who becomes king, a godless fool who gets plenty to eat,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/30.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />a slave who becomes a king, an overbearing fool who prospers,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/30.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />a slave when he becomes king, and a fool when he is filled with food;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/30.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />a servant who becomes king, a fool who is filled with food,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/30.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/30.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For a servant when he reigns, A fool when he is filled with food,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/30.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Under a slave when he becomes king, And a fool when he is satisfied with food,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/30.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Under a slave when he becomes king, And a fool when he is satisfied with food,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/30.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Under a slave when he becomes king, And a fool when he is satisfied with food,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/30.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Under a slave when he becomes king, And a wicked fool when he is satisfied with food,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/30.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Under a servant when he reigns, <i>Under</i> a [spiritually blind] fool when he is filled with food,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/30.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />a servant when he becomes king, a fool when he is stuffed with food,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/30.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />a servant when he becomes king, a fool when he is stuffed with food, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/30.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For a servant when he is king; And a fool when he is filled with food;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/30.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A slave who becomes king, a fool who eats too much, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/30.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For a servant when he is king; and a fool when he is filled with meat;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/30.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />a slave when he becomes king, a godless fool when he is filled with food,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/30.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />a slave who becomes a king, a fool who has all he wants to eat, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/30.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Under a slave when he becomes a king, a fool when he is overfed,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/30.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />a servant who becomes king, a fool who is filled with food,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/30.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />under a servant who becomes king, under a fool who is stuffed with food, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/30.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For a servant when he is king; a fool when he is filled with food;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/30.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/30.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For a servant when he is king, a fool when he is filled with food, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/30.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For a servant when he reigns, "" And a fool when he is satisfied with bread,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/30.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For a servant when he reigneth, And a fool when he is satisfied with bread,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/30.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For a servant when he shall reign; and the foolish one when he shall be filled with bread;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/30.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />By a slave when he reigneth: by a fool when he is filled with meat: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/30.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />by a slave when he reigns, by the foolish when he has been filled with food,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/30.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Under a slave who becomes king, and a fool who is glutted with food; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/30.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />a slave when he becomes king, and a fool when glutted with food;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/30.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Under a servant when he reigns: and under a fool when he is filled with bread;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/30.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Under a Servant when he will reign, and under a fool when he is filled with bread,<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/30.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For a servant when he reigneth; And a churl when he is filled with food;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/30.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />if a servant reign; or a fool be filled with food;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/30-22.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=6329" 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/30.htm">The Words of Agur</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">21</span>Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ- (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘e·ḇeḏ (N-ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">a servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/4427.htm" title="4427: yim·lō·wḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence to take counsel.">becomes king,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5036.htm" title="5036: wə·nā·ḇāl (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Foolish, senseless. From nabel; stupid; wicked.">a fool</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/7646.htm" title="7646: yiś·ba‘- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be sated, satisfied or surfeited. Or sabeay; a primitive root; to sate, i.e. Fill to satisfaction.">is filled</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: lā·ḥem (N-ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain.">with food,</a> </span><span class="reftext">23</span>an unloved woman who marries, and a maidservant who supplants her mistress.…<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="/ecclesiastes/10-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:5-7</a></span><br />There is an evil I have seen under the sun—an error that proceeds from the ruler: / Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions. / I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-7.htm">1 Samuel 2:7-8</a></span><br />The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/16-2.htm">1 Kings 16:2</a></span><br />“Even though I lifted you out of the dust and made you ruler over My people Israel, you have walked in the way of Jeroboam and have caused My people Israel to sin and to provoke Me to anger by their sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-6.htm">2 Samuel 15:6</a></span><br />Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.<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="/genesis/41-41.htm">Genesis 41:41-43</a></span><br />Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.” / Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. / He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he placed him over all the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/3-1.htm">Esther 3:1</a></span><br />After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him to a position above all the princes who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-31.htm">1 Kings 12:31</a></span><br />Jeroboam also built shrines on the high places and appointed from every class of people priests who were not Levites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">1 Samuel 18:5</a></span><br />So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-26.htm">1 Kings 11:26-28</a></span><br />Now Jeroboam son of Nebat was an Ephraimite from Zeredah whose mother was a widow named Zeruah. Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon, but he rebelled against the king, / and this is the account of his rebellion against the king. Solomon had built the supporting terraces and repaired the gap in the wall of the city of his father David. / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52</a></span><br />He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-9.htm">James 1:9-10</a></span><br />The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. / But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a></span><br />For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-11.htm">Luke 14:11</a></span><br />For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-28</a></span><br />But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For a servant when he reigns; and a fool when he is filled with meat;</p><p class="hdg">a servant</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-10.htm">Proverbs 19:10</a></b></br> Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm">Proverbs 28:3</a></b></br> A poor man that oppresseth the poor <i>is like</i> a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:7</a></b></br> I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.</p><p class="hdg">a fool</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">1 Samuel 25:3,10,11,25,36-38</a></b></br> Now the name of the man <i>was</i> Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and <i>she was</i> a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man <i>was</i> churlish and evil in his doings; and he <i>was</i> of the house of Caleb… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/30-16.htm">1 Samuel 30:16</a></b></br> And when he had brought him down, behold, <i>they were</i> spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/30-8.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-21.htm">Churl</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-16.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-20.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-20.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-15.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-16.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-20.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/psalms/99-1.htm">Reigneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-16.htm">Satisfied</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-19.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-10.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-10.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-8.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/31-14.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-5.htm">Churl</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-8.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-25.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-32.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-11.htm">Full</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-25.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/isaiah/52-7.htm">Reigneth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-8.htm">Satisfied</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-15.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-2.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 30</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-1.htm">Agur's confession of his faith</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-7.htm">The two points of his prayer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-10.htm">The meanest are not to be wronged</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-11.htm">Four wicked generations</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-15.htm">Four things insatiable</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-24.htm">four things exceeding wise</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-29.htm">Four things stately</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-32.htm">Wrath is to be prevented</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/30.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/30.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>a servant who becomes king</b><br>This phrase highlights a social upheaval where someone of low status ascends to a position of great power. In ancient Israel, the idea of a servant becoming king would have been seen as a disruption of the natural order. The biblical context often associates kingship with divine appointment, as seen in the anointing of Saul and David (<a href="/1_samuel/10.htm">1 Samuel 10:1, 16</a>:13). The concern here is not merely about social mobility but about the potential for abuse of power by someone unprepared for leadership. Historically, the rise of a servant to kingship could lead to instability, as seen in the reign of Jeroboam, who was initially a servant of Solomon (<a href="/1_kings/11-26.htm">1 Kings 11:26-40</a>). This phrase warns against the dangers of pride and the lack of wisdom that can accompany sudden elevation to power, echoing the biblical principle that leadership requires humility and wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/11-2.htm">Proverbs 11:2</a>, <a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13</a>).<p><b>a fool who is filled with food</b><br>This phrase suggests a situation where a person lacking wisdom and understanding is given abundance. In biblical literature, a fool is often characterized by a rejection of wisdom and a lack of moral insight (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7, 12</a>:15). The filling with food symbolizes not just physical satisfaction but also the potential for complacency and indulgence. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, where food scarcity was common, being filled with food would imply a level of prosperity. However, when a fool is satiated, it can lead to arrogance and a disregard for God and others, as seen in the parable of the rich fool (<a href="/luke/12-16.htm">Luke 12:16-21</a>). This phrase serves as a caution against the dangers of material abundance without spiritual maturity, emphasizing the need for gratitude and stewardship (<a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">1 Timothy 6:6-10</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/servant.htm">Servant</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, a servant represents someone of low status or position, often lacking the experience or wisdom typically associated with leadership.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/king.htm">King</a></b><br>A king is a ruler or leader, often seen as someone with authority, power, and responsibility. In ancient Israel, kings were expected to rule with wisdom and justice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/fool.htm">Fool</a></b><br>Biblically, a fool is someone who lacks wisdom, often characterized by poor judgment and a disregard for God's ways.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/filled_with_food.htm">Filled with Food</a></b><br>This phrase suggests abundance or satisfaction, but in the context of a fool, it implies indulgence without understanding or gratitude.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_unprepared_leadership.htm">The Dangers of Unprepared Leadership</a></b><br>When someone unprepared or lacking wisdom assumes a position of power, it can lead to chaos and injustice. Leadership requires more than just a change in status; it requires character and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_perils_of_indulgence_without_wisdom.htm">The Perils of Indulgence Without Wisdom</a></b><br>Being filled with food, or any form of abundance, without the wisdom to manage it, can lead to complacency and moral decay. True satisfaction comes from understanding and gratitude.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wisdom_and_humility.htm">The Importance of Wisdom and Humility</a></b><br>Both leadership and abundance require wisdom and humility. Seek God's guidance and wisdom in all circumstances, whether in positions of power or in times of plenty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_elevation.htm">God's Sovereignty in Elevation</a></b><br>While God can elevate anyone to a position of authority, it is crucial to seek His wisdom and guidance to fulfill such roles effectively.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_30.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 30</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_samaritanism's_belief.htm">What defines the pride of those who walk?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/common_questions_about_proverbs.htm">What are common questions about proverbs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_biblical_proverb.htm">What defines a biblical proverb?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_faith_aid_life's_challenges.htm">How can I gain wisdom and understanding from God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/30.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(22) <span class= "bld">For a servant when he reigneth.--</span>The mischief done by Oriental favourites at court, who often began life as slaves, was proverbial.<p><span class= "bld">A fool </span>(<span class= "ital">n?bh?l</span>)<span class= "ital">.--See </span>above, on <a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm" title="Excellent speech becomes not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.">Proverbs 17:7</a>. It is only when he has to work hard for his living that he will behave himself decently; if he gets a little money, it will soon be wasted in idleness and self-indulgence.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/30.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For a servant when he reigneth</span>; or, <span class="accented">under a slave when he becometh king</span>. This startling vicissitude was not uncommon in Eastern states; and even if the slave was not preferred to regal power, he was often advanced by unwise favouritism to high position, for which he was wholly unfitted, and which he used only to aggrandize himself at the expense and to the injury of others, This incongruity has been already noticed at Proverbs 19:10 (where see note). <span class="cmt_word">And a fool when he is filled with meat.</span> "Fool" is here <span class="accented">nabal</span>, a low, profligate fellow, who is rich and without care. When such a one rises to high position, or has power over others, he becomes arrogant, selfish, unbearable (comp. ver. 9; <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Proverbs 28:12</a>; <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/30-22.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">a servant</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶ֭בֶד</span> <span class="translit">(‘e·ḇeḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">becomes king,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִמְל֑וֹךְ</span> <span class="translit">(yim·lō·wḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4427.htm">Strong's 4427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a fool</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝נָבָ֗ל</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nā·ḇāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5036.htm">Strong's 5036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Foolish, senseless</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is filled</span><br /><span class="heb">יִֽשְׂבַּֽע־</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·ba‘-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7646.htm">Strong's 7646: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be sated, satisfied or surfeited</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with food,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָֽחֶם׃</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḥem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3899.htm">Strong's 3899: </a> </span><span class="str2">Food, bread, grain</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/30-22.htm">Proverbs 30:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/30-22.htm">Proverbs 30:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/30-22.htm">Proverbs 30:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/30-22.htm">Proverbs 30:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/30-22.htm">Proverbs 30:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/30-22.htm">Proverbs 30:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/30-22.htm">Proverbs 30:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/30-22.htm">Proverbs 30:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/30-22.htm">Proverbs 30:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/30-22.htm">Proverbs 30:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/30-22.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 30:22 For a servant when he is king (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/30-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 30:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 30:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/30-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 30:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 30:23" /></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>