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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 21:22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/21-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/20_Pro_21_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 21:22 - The King's Heart" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust." /><script type="application/javascript" 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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/21-21.htm" title="Proverbs 21:21">◄</a> Proverbs 21:22 <a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm" title="Proverbs 21:23">►</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/21.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/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A wise <i>man</i> scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A wise <i>man</i> scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wise person scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A wise man scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A wise man goes up to the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A wise man scales the city [walls] of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wise person went up against a city of warriors and brought down its secure fortress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wise person went up against a city of warriors and brought down its secure fortress. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />One wise person can defeat a city full of soldiers and capture their fortress. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A wise man attacks a city of warriors and pulls down the strong defenses in which they trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A shrewd general can take a city defended by strong men, and destroy the walls they relied on. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A wise man attacks the city of the mighty, bringing down the fortress in which they trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The wise person can scale the city of the mighty and bring down the stronghold in which they trust. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of its confidence.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The wise has gone up a city of the mighty, "" And brings down the strength of its confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A city of the mighty hath the wise gone up, And bringeth down the strength of its confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The wise one ascended the city of the strong, and he will bring down the strength of its confidence.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The wise man hath scaled the city of the strong, and hath cast down the strength of the confidence thereof. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The wise has ascended the city of the strong, and he has torn down the bulwark of its confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The wise person storms the city of the mighty, and overthrows the stronghold in which they trust. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />One wise person went up against a city of warriors and brought down the stronghold in which they trusted.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A wise man scales the defenses of the city of mighty men and conquers the stronghold in which they trusted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A wise man went up to the city of a mighty man and conquered its trusted fortress.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the stronghold wherein it trusteth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A wise man assaults strong cities, and demolishes the fortress in which the ungodly trusted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/21-22.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=4306" 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/21.htm">The King's Heart</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">21</span>He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor. <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥā·ḵām (Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">A wise man</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ‘ā·lāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">scales</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘îr (N-fsc) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/1368.htm" title="1368: gib·bō·rîm (Adj-mp) -- Strong, mighty. Or gibbor; intensive from the same as geber; powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant.">of the mighty</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: way·yō·reḏ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">and pulls down</a> <a href="/hebrew/5797.htm" title="5797: ‘ōz (N-msc) -- Strength, might. Or rowz; from azaz; strength in various applications.">the stronghold</a> <a href="/hebrew/4009.htm" title="4009: miḇ·ṭe·ḥāh (N-msc:: 3fs) -- Confidence. From batach; properly, a refuge, i.e. security, or assurance.">in which they trust.</a> </span><span class="reftext">23</span>He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.…<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/9-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:14-16</a></span><br />There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. / Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. / And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3-5</a></span><br />For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25-29</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. / Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. / 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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-16.htm">2 Samuel 20:16-22</a></span><br />a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.” / When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered. / Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/7-19.htm">Judges 7:19-22</a></span><br />Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the changing of the guard. They blew their horns and broke the jars that were in their hands. / The three companies blew their horns and shattered their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!” / Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45-50</a></span><br />But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Luke 14:31-32</a></span><br />Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? / And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/33-18.htm">Isaiah 33:18</a></span><br />Your mind will ponder the former terror: “Where is he who tallies? Where is he who weighs? Where is he who counts the towers?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18-20</a></span><br />Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13-18</a></span><br />Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/33-16.htm">Psalm 33:16-19</a></span><br />No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. / Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/20-7.htm">Psalm 20:7</a></span><br />Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a></span><br />So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and casts down the strength of the confidence thereof.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/20-16.htm">2 Samuel 20:16-22</a></b></br> Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-19.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:19</a></b></br> Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty <i>men</i> which are in the city.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:13-18</a></b></br> This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it <i>seemed</i> great unto me: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/106-10.htm">Attacks</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Casteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-19.htm">City</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-28.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-21.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-27.htm">Overcomes</a> <a href="/job/20-25.htm">Pulls</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-23.htm">Scales</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-29.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-29.htm">Stronghold</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-21.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Trust</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Trusteth</a> <a href="/psalms/143-8.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/54-15.htm">Attacks</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-18.htm">Casteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-28.htm">City</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-19.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-19.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-26.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-11.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-18.htm">Overcomes</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-15.htm">Pulls</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm">Scales</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-5.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-2.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-19.htm">Stronghold</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-31.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-19.htm">Trust</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-26.htm">Trusteth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">The king's heart in the hand of the Lord</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'; 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In ancient times, cities were often fortified with walls and guarded by mighty warriors. The imagery of scaling a city suggests strategic thinking and insight, rather than direct confrontation. Wisdom is portrayed as a tool that can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This echoes the biblical theme that God’s wisdom surpasses human strength, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25</a>, where the wisdom of God is described as greater than human wisdom and strength.<p><b>and pulls down the stronghold</b><br>Strongholds were fortified places of defense, often used metaphorically in Scripture to represent places of false security or spiritual bondage. The wise man's ability to pull down these strongholds suggests that wisdom can dismantle false beliefs and ideologies. This is reminiscent of <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4-5</a>, where Paul speaks of demolishing arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. The wise man’s actions symbolize the triumph of divine wisdom over human arrogance and self-reliance.<p><b>in which they trust</b><br>The phrase underscores the misplaced trust of the mighty in their physical defenses and strength. It serves as a caution against relying on worldly power and security, which can be easily overturned by wisdom. This reflects the biblical principle found in <a href="/psalms/20-7.htm">Psalm 20:7</a>, where trust in chariots and horses is contrasted with trust in the name of the Lord. The wise man’s victory illustrates the futility of trusting in anything other than God, pointing to the ultimate security found in divine wisdom and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/wise_man.htm">Wise Man</a></b><br>Represents a person who possesses godly wisdom, discernment, and understanding. In the context of Proverbs, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord and living according to His principles.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/city_of_the_mighty.htm">City of the Mighty</a></b><br>Symbolizes a place of strength and security, often fortified and protected by powerful individuals or forces. In ancient times, cities were centers of power and influence.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/stronghold.htm">Stronghold</a></b><br>Refers to a fortified place or a source of security and confidence. In this verse, it represents the reliance on human strength or worldly power.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_godly_wisdom.htm">The Power of Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>Godly wisdom enables believers to overcome challenges and obstacles that seem insurmountable by human standards. It is not about physical strength but about spiritual insight and discernment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god,_not_in_worldly_strength.htm">Trust in God, Not in Worldly Strength</a></b><br>The verse warns against placing trust in human power or worldly strongholds. True security comes from reliance on God and His wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare_and_strongholds.htm">Spiritual Warfare and Strongholds</a></b><br>Believers are called to engage in spiritual warfare, using the wisdom and power of God to tear down strongholds of sin, false beliefs, and worldly systems.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_wisdom_in_leadership.htm">The Role of Wisdom in Leadership</a></b><br>Wise leadership can bring down the "strongholds" of injustice, corruption, and oppression, leading to righteous governance and peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_application_of_wisdom.htm">Practical Application of Wisdom</a></b><br>In daily life, applying godly wisdom can lead to overcoming personal challenges, resolving conflicts, and making decisions that honor God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_hebrews_4_16.htm">What does 'Casting Down Imaginations' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_stance_on_cryptocurrencies.htm">What is the Bible's view on cryptocurrencies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'casting_down_imaginations'_mean.htm">What does "Casting Down Imaginations" mean?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty.</span> The courage and strength of valiant men cannot defend a city against the skilful counsel of a wise strategist. <span class="cmt_word">And he casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.</span> He lays low the strength in which the defenders trusted; he not only takes the fortress, but also demolishes it. Wisdom is stronger than bodily might (<a href="/proverbs/20.htm">Proverbs 20</a>.18. See the apologue, <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:14</a>, etc.). Septuagint, "A wise man cometh upon strong cities, and casteth down the stronghold (<span class="greek">καθεῖλε τὸ ὀχύρωμα</span>) in which the ungodly trusted." Thus St. Paul, speaking of the weapons which God gives us to fight withal in the spiritual battle, says (<a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4</a>) that they are "mighty before him to the casting down of strongholds (<span class="greek">πρὸς καθαίρεσιν</span> <span class="greek">οχυρωμάτων</span>)." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/21-22.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 wise [man]</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">scales</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the city</span><br /><span class="heb">עִ֣יר</span> <span class="translit">(‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the mighty</span><br /><span class="heb">גִּ֭בֹּרִים</span> <span class="translit">(gib·bō·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1368.htm">Strong's 1368: </a> </span><span class="str2">Powerful, warrior, tyrant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and pulls down</span><br /><span class="heb">וַ֝יֹּ֗רֶד</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·reḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the stronghold</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹ֣ז</span> <span class="translit">(‘ōz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5797.htm">Strong's 5797: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strength, might</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in which they trust.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִבְטֶחָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(miḇ·ṭe·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4009.htm">Strong's 4009: </a> </span><span class="str2">A refuge, security, assurance</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/21-22.htm">Proverbs 21:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21-22.htm">Proverbs 21:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/21-22.htm">Proverbs 21:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21-22.htm">Proverbs 21:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21-22.htm">Proverbs 21:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/21-22.htm">Proverbs 21:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/21-22.htm">Proverbs 21:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/21-22.htm">Proverbs 21:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/21-22.htm">Proverbs 21:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/21-22.htm">Proverbs 21:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:22 A wise man scales the city (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/21-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 21:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 21:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:23" /></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>