Proverbs Chapter 22 verse 29 Holy Bible

ASV Proverbs 22:29

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.
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BBE Proverbs 22:29

Have you seen a man who is expert in his business? he will take his place before kings; his place will not be among low persons.
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DARBY Proverbs 22:29

Hast thou seen a man diligent in his work? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before the mean.
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KJV Proverbs 22:29

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
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WBT Proverbs 22:29


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WEB Proverbs 22:29

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings; He won't serve obscure men.
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YLT Proverbs 22:29

Hast thou seen a man speedy in his business? Before kings he doth station himself, He stations not himself before obscure men!
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Pulpit Commentary

Pulpit CommentaryVerse 29 - A tristich follows. Seest thou a man diligent in his business! Mere diligence would not commend a man to high notice unless accompanied by dexterity and skill; and though מָהִיר (mahir) means "quick," it also has the notion of "skilful," and is better here taken in that sense. He shall stand before kings. This phrase means to serve or minister to another (Genesis 41:46; 1 Samuel 16:21, 22; 1 Kings 10:8; Job 1:6). 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. He shall not stand before mean men. "Mean" (חְשֻׁכִּים) are the men of no importance, ignobiles, 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 (ὁρατικὸν) man, and one who is keen in his business, should attend on kings, and not attend on slothful men."

Ellicott's Commentary

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(29) He shall stand before kings.--Shall attend upon them as their minister. (Comp. Genesis 41:46.) This verse is a tristich, containing three lines.