Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — A wisdom teacher (traditionally Solomon) addresses a young man within a collection of short, independent proverbs (Prov 22:17–24:22).
The words — מָהִיר (mahir) means "skilled, expert," not merely "good." יִתְיַצָּב (yityatzav) is a military term: to take a post, to be stationed.
The thread — Solomon promotes Jeroboam for his industry (1 Kings 11:28); the master rewards the faithful servant with greater charge (Matthew 25:21); the diligent hand rules (Proverbs 12:24).
Why it lands — Competence is noticed by those in power; the verse asks the reader to be genuinely skilled in their work rather than mediocre or lazy.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Cross-references
- 1 Kings 11:28 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.
- Matthew 25:21 His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’
- Proverbs 12:24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.
- Proverbs 10:4 Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
- Ecclesiastes 9:10 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.
- Matthew 25:23 His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’
- Genesis 41:46 Now Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt.
- Romans 12:11 Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
- 1 Kings 10:8 How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!
- 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.