Proverbs 24:5
New International Version
The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.

New Living Translation
The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.

English Standard Version
A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might,

Berean Standard Bible
A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.

King James Bible
A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

New King James Version
A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;

New American Standard Bible
A wise man is strong, And a person of knowledge increases power.

NASB 1995
A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge increases power.

NASB 1977
A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge increases power.

Legacy Standard Bible
A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge strengthens his power.

Amplified Bible
A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge strengthens his power;

Christian Standard Bible
A wise warrior is better than a strong one, and a man of knowledge than one of strength;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A wise warrior is better than a strong one, and a man of knowledge than one of strength;

American Standard Version
A wise man is strong; Yea, a man of knowledge increaseth might.

Contemporary English Version
Wisdom brings strength, and knowledge gives power.

English Revised Version
A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth might.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A strong man knows how to use his strength, but a person with knowledge is even more powerful.

Good News Translation
Being wise is better than being strong; yes, knowledge is more important than strength.

International Standard Version
A wise man is strong, and a knowledgeable man grows in strength.

Majority Standard Bible
A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.

NET Bible
A wise warrior is strong, and a man of knowledge makes his strength stronger;

New Heart English Bible
A wise man has great power; and a knowledgeable man increases strength;

Webster's Bible Translation
A wise man is strong; and a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

World English Bible
A wise man has great power. A knowledgeable man increases strength,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The wise [is] mighty in strength, "" And a man of knowledge is strengthening power,

Young's Literal Translation
Mighty is the wise in strength, And a man of knowledge is strengthening power,

Smith's Literal Translation
A wise man is in strength, and a man of knowledge strengthens power.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
A wise man is strong: and a knowing man, stout and valiant.

Catholic Public Domain Version
A wise man is strong, and a well-taught man is robust and valiant.

New American Bible
The wise are more powerful than the strong, and the learned, than the mighty,

New Revised Standard Version
Wise warriors are mightier than strong ones, and those who have knowledge than those who have strength;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
A wise man is better than a strong man; yea, a man of knowledge than a mighty man.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The wise is better than the strong, and a man of knowledge than a mighty man of power.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
A wise man is strong; Yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
A wise man is better than a strong man; and a man who has prudence than a large estate.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Do not Envy
4through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure. 5A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength. 6Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.…

Cross References
James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Ecclesiastes 7:19
Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city.

Colossians 1:9
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

1 Corinthians 1:24
but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Daniel 2:20-21
and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. / He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Ephesians 1:17
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.

2 Timothy 3:15
From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Job 12:13
Wisdom and strength belong to God; counsel and understanding are His.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

1 Kings 3:9-12
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...

Luke 21:15
For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

Psalm 119:98-100
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. / I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. / I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts.

1 Corinthians 2:6-7
Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. / No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.

2 Chronicles 1:10-12
Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart instead of requesting riches or wealth or honor for yourself or death for your enemies—and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king— / therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.”

Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!


Treasury of Scripture

A wise man is strong; yes, a man of knowledge increases strength.

a wise

Proverbs 8:14
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

Proverbs 10:29
The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Proverbs 21:22
A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

strong

Psalm 84:7
They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Colossians 1:11
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

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Proverbs 24
1. Precepts and Warnings














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.

(5) A man of knowledge increaseth strength.--For the spiritual sense, comp. 2Peter 3:18.

Verses 5, 6. - Wisdom is beneficial in peace and war. Verse 5. - A wise man is strong. בעוז, "in strength," full of strength, because, however feeble in body, he is wise in counsel, firm in purpose, brave in conduct, thoroughly to be depended upon, and supported by his perfect trust in God (comp. Proverbs 21:22). The Septuagint, with which agree the Syriac and Chaldee, reading differently, renders, "A wise man is better than a strong man" - a sentiment which Lesetre compares to Cicoro's "cedant arma togae." A man of knowledge increaseth strength; literally, strengtheneth power; shows greater, superior power, as Amos 2:14. The Septuagint, from some corruption of the text, renders, "And a man having prudence (is better) than a large estate (γεωργίου μεγάλου);" i.e. wisdom will bring a man more worldly advantages than the possession of extensive farms. The gnome is proved by what follows.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
A wise
חָכָ֥ם (ḥā·ḵām)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450: Wise

man
גֶּֽבֶר־ (ge·ḇer-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1397: A valiant man, warrior, a person simply

[is] strong,
בַּע֑וֹז (ba·‘ō·wz)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5797: Strength, might

and a man
וְאִֽישׁ־ (wə·’îš-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of knowledge
דַּ֝֗עַת (da·‘aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847: Knowledge

enhances
מְאַמֶּץ־ (mə·’am·meṣ-)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 553: To be stout, strong, bold, alert

his strength;
כֹּֽחַ׃ (kō·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3581: A small reptile (of unknown species)


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 24:5 A wise man has great power (Prov. Pro Pr)
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