Proverbs 21:31 Meaning and Explanation
“The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Preparation is good and necessary, but ultimate safety depends on God.
The Context of Proverbs 21:31
Preparation is good, but ultimate safety belongs to God.
What Does Proverbs 21:31 Mean?
The horse—symbol of military readiness and preparation—is readied for battle. This suggests diligence in preparation, making wise contingencies, and getting ready. The verse does not mock preparation but affirms it as appropriate and necessary.
Yet the final word belongs to God: safety comes from Him, not from horses or weapons. Preparation matters, but it is not ultimate. After doing all that can be done to prepare, the person must trust in God for the final outcome. Preparation without faith is incomplete; faith without preparation is presumption.
Proverbs 21:31 in the Original Language
yawm (יוֹם), 'day' — here referring to the appointed time of battle, a critical moment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 21:31
What does Proverbs 21:31 mean?
Preparation is good and necessary, but ultimate safety depends on God.
What is the context of Proverbs 21:31?
Preparation is good, but ultimate safety belongs to God.