Proverbs 22:29
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Original Language Analysis
חָזִ֡יתָ
Seest
H2372
חָזִ֡יתָ
Seest
Strong's:
H2372
Word #:
1 of 11
to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
אִ֤ישׁ׀
thou a man
H376
אִ֤ישׁ׀
thou a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
בִּמְלַאכְתּ֗וֹ
in his business
H4399
בִּמְלַאכְתּ֗וֹ
in his business
Strong's:
H4399
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יִ֝תְיַצֵּב
he shall not stand
H3320
יִ֝תְיַצֵּב
he shall not stand
Strong's:
H3320
Word #:
7 of 11
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
בַּל
H1077
בַּל
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
יִ֝תְיַצֵּב
he shall not stand
H3320
יִ֝תְיַצֵּב
he shall not stand
Strong's:
H3320
Word #:
9 of 11
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
Cross References
1 Kings 11:28And the man Jeroboam was 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.Matthew 25:21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.Ecclesiastes 9:10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.Proverbs 10:4He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.Proverbs 12:24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.Matthew 25:23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.Genesis 41:46And 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.Romans 12:11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;1 Kings 10:8Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Historical Context
Joseph, Daniel, and Nehemiah exemplified this—their competence brought them before foreign kings where they represented God. Skilled craftsmen built the tabernacle and temple, serving God through excellence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does excellence in your vocation serve God and witness to His character?
- What skills are you developing that could open doors for greater kingdom impact?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Those skilled in their work gain positions before kings—excellence brings recognition and opportunity. This affirms vocational diligence as way to serve God and advance His kingdom. Work done 'as unto the Lord' demonstrates faith through faithful stewardship of abilities.