Proverbs 24:5
A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.
A wise man
The Hebrew word for "wise" is "חָכָם" (chakam), which implies not just intellectual acumen but a deep, practical understanding of life and its complexities. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10), suggesting that true wisdom begins with a reverent relationship with God. A "wise man" is one who applies divine principles to daily living, making decisions that align with God's will. This wisdom is not merely theoretical but is demonstrated through actions and choices that reflect God's character.

is strong
The Hebrew term "עֹז" (oz) for "strong" conveys more than physical might; it encompasses moral and spiritual fortitude. In the ancient Near Eastern context, strength was often associated with military power or physical prowess. However, the biblical perspective elevates inner strength, suggesting that true power comes from wisdom. A wise person possesses resilience and the ability to withstand life's challenges, drawing strength from their understanding and relationship with God.

and a man of knowledge
The phrase "man of knowledge" uses the Hebrew word "דַּעַת" (da'at), which refers to discernment and understanding. Knowledge in the biblical sense is not just the accumulation of facts but involves insight and perception that come from God. This knowledge is often linked with wisdom, as it provides the foundation for making sound judgments. A "man of knowledge" is someone who seeks truth and understanding, aligning their thoughts and actions with divine revelation.

enhances his strength
The Hebrew verb "אַמִּיץ" (amitz) means to "increase" or "strengthen." This suggests that knowledge is not static but dynamic, contributing to one's growth and empowerment. In the biblical worldview, knowledge and wisdom are seen as sources of strength that enable individuals to face life's adversities with confidence and courage. The idea is that as one grows in understanding, their capacity to act wisely and effectively in the world is enhanced, leading to a life that honors God and benefits others.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings.

2. Israel
The nation to whom Solomon originally addressed his proverbs, providing guidance for living a life pleasing to God.

3. Wise Man
Represents individuals who seek and apply wisdom in their lives, gaining strength through understanding.

4. Man of Knowledge
Refers to those who pursue knowledge, which in turn enhances their strength and ability to navigate life's challenges.

5. Ancient Near East
The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom literature was a common genre.
Teaching Points
The Power of Wisdom
Wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge but practical understanding that empowers us to live effectively and righteously.

Strength Through Knowledge
True strength comes from understanding and applying God's principles, which equips us to face life's challenges.

Pursuit of Godly Wisdom
As believers, we are called to seek wisdom from God, who generously provides it to those who ask in faith.

Wisdom in Community
Sharing and growing in wisdom within a community of believers strengthens the entire body of Christ.

Wisdom as a Defense
Just as physical strength can protect, so too can wisdom guard us against spiritual and moral pitfalls.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge enhance our spiritual strength according to Proverbs 24:5?

2. In what ways can we actively seek wisdom in our daily lives, and how does this align with James 1:5?

3. How does the concept of wisdom in Proverbs 24:5 compare to the strength described in Ephesians 6:10?

4. What role does community play in the pursuit and application of wisdom, and how can we foster this in our church or small group?

5. Reflect on a time when wisdom provided you with strength in a challenging situation. How can this experience encourage others in their faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 1:7
This verse emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, connecting the pursuit of wisdom with reverence for God.

Ecclesiastes 7:19
Solomon also notes that wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten rulers in a city, reinforcing the theme of wisdom as a source of strength.

James 1:5
In the New Testament, James encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, highlighting its importance and divine source.

Ephesians 6:10
Paul speaks of being strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, linking spiritual strength with divine wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 1:9-10
Paul prays for believers to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, which leads to spiritual strength and fruitful living.
Fixed Religious PrinciplesF. Wagstaff.Proverbs 24:5
Wisdom the Strength of the MindJ. Abernethy, M.A.Proverbs 24:5
Building with WisdomE. Johnson Proverbs 24:3-6
Wisdom Edifies and InvigoratesE. Johnson Proverbs 24:3-6
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Greater, Increases, Increaseth, Knowledgeable, Makes, Mightier, Mighty, Power, Strength, Strengthening, Strong, Wise, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 24:5

     5457   power, human

Library
The Sluggard's Garden
'I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31. And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.'--PROVERBS xxiv. 30, 31. This picture of the sluggard's garden seems to be intended as a parable. No doubt its direct simple meaning is full of homely wisdom in full accord with the whole tone of the Book of Proverbs; but we shall scarcely do justice to this saying of the wise
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Broken Fence
A sermon (No. 3381) published on Thursday, November 20th 1913. Delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and to, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down, Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. This slothful man did no hurt to his fellow-men:
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

The Sluggard's Farm
A sermon (No. 2027) intended for reading on Lord's Day, June 3rd 1888, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. No doubt Solomon was sometimes glad
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Epistle xxxvi. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona .
To Maximus, Bishop of Salona [113] . Gregory to Maximus, &c. When our common son the presbyter Veteranus came to the Roman city, he found me so weak from the pains of gout as to be quite unable to answer thy Fraternity's letters myself. And indeed with regard to the nation of the Sclaves [114] , from which you are in great danger, I am exceedingly afflicted and disturbed. I am afflicted as suffering already in your suffering: I am disturbed, because they have already begun to enter Italy by way
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Portrait of a Drunkyard
'Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30. They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34. Yea, thou shalt be as
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

2 Cor. Iii. 5
Not that we are sufficient of our selves, to think any thing as of our selves: but our Sufficiency is of God. IN my former Discourse upon these Words, I shewed you that it was the sole Design of St. Paul in them, to declare, that, in the setting about, and executing, the difficult and laborious Work of an Apostle, He did not arrogate to himself the Power, and Ability, and Success, which he had: but that he ascribed his Sufficiency for this great Work, as well as his being designed to it, to God himself,
Benjamin Hoadly—Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God

How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out-Breakings Away.
The next part of our sanctification is in reference to our daily failings and transgressions, committed partly through the violence of temptations, as we see in David and Peter, and other eminent men of God; partly through daily infirmities, because of our weakness and imperfections; for, "in many things we offend all," James iii. 2; and, "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us," 1 John i. 8; "a righteous man falleth seven times," Prov. xxiv. 16; "there is not
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Necessity of Actual Grace
In treating of the necessity of actual grace we must avoid two extremes. The first is that mere nature is absolutely incapable of doing any thing good. This error was held by the early Protestants and the followers of Baius and Jansenius. The second is that nature is able to perform supernatural acts by its own power. This was taught by the Pelagians and Semipelagians. Between these two extremes Catholic theology keeps the golden mean. It defends the capacity of human nature against Protestants and
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the Practice of Piety.
Those hindrances are chiefly seven:-- I. An ignorant mistaking of the true meaning of certain places of the holy Scriptures, and some other chief grounds of Christian religion. The Scriptures mistaken are these: 1. Ezek. xxxiii. 14, 16, "At what time soever a sinner repenteth him of his sin, I will blot out all," &c. Hence the carnal Christian gathers, that he may repent when he will. It is true, whensoever a sinner does repent, God will forgive; but the text saith not, that a sinner may repent whensoever
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

A Treatise on Good Works
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments.
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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