Proverbs 21:22 Meaning and Explanation
“A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Wisdom can overcome superior physical strength; strategic thinking defeats brute force.
The Context of Proverbs 21:22
Wisdom overcomes the strength of military might.
What Does Proverbs 21:22 Mean?
A wise person, even without the military might of the strong, can scale the walls of a fortified city and overcome it. Wisdom provides solutions where strength fails. Through strategy, cunning, and intelligent planning, the wise accomplish what the physically mighty cannot.
The phrase 'casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof' captures this: the confidence that the mighty place in their fortifications and military power is undermined and destroyed by intelligence. Wisdom is a force that outweighs physical strength when it matters most—in genuine strategy and victory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 21:22
What does Proverbs 21:22 mean?
Wisdom can overcome superior physical strength; strategic thinking defeats brute force.
What is the context of Proverbs 21:22?
Wisdom overcomes the strength of military might.