Proverbs 22:29 - Exposition

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 , 1 Samuel 16:22 ; 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, dud one who is keen in his business, should attend on kings, and not attend on slothful men."