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 22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/22-29.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/20_Pro_22_29.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 22:29 - Thirty Sayings of the Wise" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men." /><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/22-29.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/22-29.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/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 29</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="/ad9.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/22-28.htm" title="Proverbs 22:28">◄</a> Proverbs 22:29 <a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm" title="Proverbs 23:1">►</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/22.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/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean <i>men</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do you see a man <i>who</i> excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown <i>men.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a man skillful <i>and</i> experienced in his work? He will stand [in honor] before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of the unknown.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of unknown men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you do your job well, you will work for a ruler and never be a slave. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do you see a person who is efficient in his work? He will serve kings. He will not serve unknown people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Show me someone who does a good job, and I will show you someone who is better than most and worthy of the company of kings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will work for kings, not unimportant people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will take his position before kings; he will not take his position before obscure people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won't serve obscure men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won’t serve obscure men. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Have you seen a man speedy in his business? He stations himself before kings, "" He does not station himself before obscure men!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Hast thou seen a man speedy in his business? Before kings he doth station himself, He stations not himself before obscure men!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Sawest thou a man apt in his works? Before kings shall he stand; he shall not stand before the dark ones.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Hast thou seen a man swift in his work? he shall stand before kings, and shall not be before those that are obscure. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Have you seen a man swift in his work? He shall stand in the sight of kings, and not before those who are disreputable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do you see those skilled at their work? They will stand in the presence of kings, but not in the presence of the obscure. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do you see those who are skillful in their work? They will serve kings; they will not serve common people.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When you see that a man is diligent in his work, he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before obscure men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />If you have seen a man skilled in his work, he will stand before kings and he will not stand in front of obscure men. <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />It is fit that an observant man and <i>one</i> diligent in his business should attend on kings, and not attend on slothful men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/22-29.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=4577" 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/22.htm">Thirty Sayings of the Wise</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">28</span>Do not move an ancient boundary stone which your fathers have placed. <span class="reftext">29</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2372.htm" title="2372: ḥā·zî·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- See, behold. A primitive root; to gaze at; mentally, to perceive, contemplate; specifically, to have a vision of.">Do you see</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/4106.htm" title="4106: mā·hîr (Adj-ms) -- Quick, prompt, ready, skilled. Or mahir; from mahar; quick; hence, skilful.">skilled</a> <a href="/hebrew/4399.htm" title="4399: bim·laḵ·tōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From the same as mal'ak; properly, deputyship, i.e. Ministry; generally, employment or work; also property.">in his work?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3320.htm" title="3320: yiṯ·yaṣ·ṣāḇ (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- To set or station oneself, take one's stand. A primitive root; to place; reflexively, to station, offer, continue.">He will be stationed</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê- (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">in the presence</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: mə·lā·ḵîm (N-mp) -- King. From malak; a king.">of kings;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1077.htm" title="1077: bal- (Adv) -- Not. From balah; properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually not at all; also lest.">he will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3320.htm" title="3320: yiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- To set or station oneself, take one's stand. A primitive root; to place; reflexively, to station, offer, continue.">stand</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/2823.htm" title="2823: ḥă·šuk·kîm (Adj-mp) -- Obscure, low. From chashak; dark.">obscure men.</a> </span><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="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a></span><br />For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23-24</a></span><br />Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a></span><br />Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10</a></span><br />Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/41-39.htm">Genesis 41:39-46</a></span><br />Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. / You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” / Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-3.htm">Daniel 6:3</a></span><br />Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10-11</a></span><br />As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-14.htm">1 Timothy 4:14-15</a></span><br />Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders. / Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-15.htm">2 Timothy 2:15</a></span><br />Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/2-1.htm">Nehemiah 2:1-8</a></span><br />Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, / so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear / and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-8.htm">1 Kings 10:8</a></span><br />How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-17.htm">Luke 19:17</a></span><br />His master replied, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11</a></span><br />Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/31-1.htm">Exodus 31:1-6</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, / “See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. / And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-18.htm">1 Samuel 16:18-21</a></span><br />One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.” / So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” / And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and one young goat and sent them to Saul with his son David. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">See you a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.</p><p class="hdg">a man</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4</a></b></br> He becometh poor that dealeth <i>with</i> a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Proverbs 12:24</a></b></br> The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/11-28.htm">1 Kings 11:28</a></b></br> And the man Jeroboam <i>was</i> a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Business</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Diligent</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-5.htm">Expert</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-3.htm">Low</a> <a href="/job/6-26.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-20.htm">Obscure</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/psalms/91-8.htm">Seest</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/psalms/78-72.htm">Skilful</a> <a href="/job/32-22.htm">Skilled</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/psalms/20-8.htm">Station</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Stations</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-21.htm">Won't</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-13.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm">Business</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-23.htm">Diligent</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Expert</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-2.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-11.htm">Low</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-9.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-19.htm">Obscure</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-23.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm">Seest</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-9.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Skilful</a> <a href="/songs/7-1.htm">Skilled</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-6.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-8.htm">Station</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-4.htm">Stations</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-17.htm">Won't</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-12.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">A good name is more desirable than great wealth</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/22.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/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Do you see a man skilled in his work?</b><br>This phrase highlights the value of skill and diligence. In biblical times, craftsmanship and skill were highly regarded, as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle (<a href="/exodus/31.htm">Exodus 31:1-6</a>) where God specifically chose skilled artisans. The Hebrew word for "skilled" implies expertise and proficiency, suggesting that God values excellence in one's vocation. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to work heartily as for the Lord (<a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23</a>).<p><b>He will be stationed in the presence of kings;</b><br>In ancient cultures, those who excelled in their crafts often found themselves serving in royal courts. Joseph, for example, rose to prominence in Egypt due to his administrative skills (<a href="/genesis/41-39.htm">Genesis 41:39-41</a>). Similarly, Daniel's wisdom and ability to interpret dreams brought him before the Babylonian king (<a href="/daniel/1-19.htm">Daniel 1:19-20</a>). This phrase suggests that God rewards diligence and skill with opportunities for influence and leadership.<p><b>he will not stand before obscure men.</b><br>The contrast here emphasizes the honor and recognition that come with excellence. "Obscure men" refers to those without influence or recognition. The biblical narrative often shows that God elevates those who are faithful and skilled, as seen in the lives of David, who moved from shepherding to kingship (<a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11-13</a>), and Nehemiah, who went from cupbearer to governor (<a href="/nehemiah/2.htm">Nehemiah 2:1-8</a>). This principle encourages believers to pursue excellence, trusting that God will open doors for greater service and impact.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/skilled_worker.htm">Skilled Worker</a></b><br>The verse highlights a person who is diligent and proficient in their work. This individual is characterized by excellence and dedication.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/kings.htm">Kings</a></b><br>Symbolic of authority and high status, kings represent those in positions of power and influence. Standing before kings implies recognition and honor.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/o/obscure_men.htm">Obscure Men</a></b><br>These are individuals who lack influence or recognition. The contrast with kings emphasizes the reward of diligence and skill.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_skill_and_diligence.htm">The Value of Skill and Diligence</a></b><br>God values skill and diligence in our work. As Christians, we are called to work as if serving the Lord, which means striving for excellence in all we do.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognition_and_influence.htm">Recognition and Influence</a></b><br>When we are diligent and skilled, we gain opportunities for influence and recognition. This can open doors to share our faith and values with those in authority.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contrast_of_outcomes.htm">Contrast of Outcomes</a></b><br>The verse contrasts the outcomes of diligence versus mediocrity. It serves as a reminder that our efforts and skills can lead to significant opportunities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/biblical_work_ethic.htm">Biblical Work Ethic</a></b><br>A biblical work ethic involves integrity, diligence, and skill. As we develop these qualities, we reflect God's character and bring glory to Him through our work.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_greater_responsibility.htm">Preparation for Greater Responsibility</a></b><br>Being skilled in our work prepares us for greater responsibilities. As we prove faithful in small things, God entrusts us with more.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_careers_suit_christians.htm">What careers are suitable for Christians to pursue?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_true_freedom_in_christ_mean.htm">How does work reflect our faith and diligence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_work-life_balance.htm">What does the Bible say about work-life balance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_show_your_knowledge_well.htm">What does the Bible say about work-life balance?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(29) <span class= "bld">He shall stand before kings.--</span>Shall attend upon them as their minister. (Comp. <a href="/genesis/41-46.htm" title="And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.">Genesis 41:46</a>.) This verse is a tristich, containing three lines.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 29</span> - A tristich follows. <span class="cmt_word">Seest thou a man diligent in his business!</span> Mere diligence would not commend a man to high notice unless accompanied by dexterity and skill; and though <span class="hebrew">מָהִיר</span> (<span class="accented">mahir</span>) means "quick," it also has the notion of "skilful," and is better here taken in that sense. <span class="cmt_word">He shall stand before kings.</span> This phrase means to serve or minister to another (<a href="/genesis/41-46.htm">Genesis 41:46</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/16-21.htm">1 Samuel 16:21, 22</a>; <a href="/1_kings/10-8.htm">1 Kings 10:8</a>; <a href="/job/1-6.htm">Job 1:6</a>). A man thus export is fitted for any, even the highest situation, may well be employed in affairs of state, and enjoy the confidence of kings. <span class="cmt_word">He shall not stand before mean men.</span> "Mean" (<span class="hebrew">חְשֻׁכִּים</span>) are the men of no importance, <span class="accented">ignobiles</span>, obscure. An intellectual, clever, adroit man would never he satisfied with serving such masters; his ambition is higher; he knows that he is capable of better things. Septuagint, "It must needs be that an observant (<span class="greek">ὁρατικὸν</span>) man, and one who is keen in his business, should attend on kings, and not attend on slothful men." <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/22-29.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">Do you see</span><br /><span class="heb">חָזִ֡יתָ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·zî·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2372.htm">Strong's 2372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gaze at, to perceive, contemplate, to have a, vision of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a man</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֤ישׁ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">skilled</span><br /><span class="heb">מָ֘הִ֤יר</span> <span class="translit">(mā·hîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4106.htm">Strong's 4106: </a> </span><span class="str2">Quick, prompt, ready, skilled</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in his work?</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּמְלַאכְתּ֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bim·laḵ·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4399.htm">Strong's 4399: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He will be stationed</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתְיַצָּ֑ב</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·yaṣ·ṣāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3320.htm">Strong's 3320: </a> </span><span class="str2">To set or station oneself, take one's stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the presence</span><br /><span class="heb">לִֽפְנֵֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of kings;</span><br /><span class="heb">מְלָכִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(mə·lā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<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">he will not</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּל־</span> <span class="translit">(bal-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1077.htm">Strong's 1077: </a> </span><span class="str2">A failure, nothing, not at all, lest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stand</span><br /><span class="heb">יִ֝תְיַצֵּב</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3320.htm">Strong's 3320: </a> </span><span class="str2">To set or station oneself, take one's stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">obscure men.</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲשֻׁכִּֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·šuk·kîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2823.htm">Strong's 2823: </a> </span><span class="str2">Obscure, low</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man skilled (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 22:28"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:28" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 23:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:1" /></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>