Proverbs 22:29

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

See you a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

American King James Version (AKJV)

See you a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

American Standard Version (ASV)

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

Have you seen a man who is expert in his business? he will take his place before kings; his place will not be among low persons.

Webster's Revision

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

World English Bible

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won't serve obscure men.

English Revised Version (ERV)

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Definitions for Proverbs 22:29

Mean - Common.
Mean - Obscure; insignificant.

Clarke's Proverbs 22:29 Bible Commentary

He shalt not stand before mean men - חשכים chashukkim, dark or obscure persons; men of no repute. Na he schal ben before un-noble men - Old MS. Bible. "Not amonge the symple people." - Coverdale.

The general meaning of the proverb is, "Every diligent, active man, shall be at once independent and respectable."

Barnes's Proverbs 22:29 Bible Commentary

The gift of a quick and ready intellect is to lead to high office, it is not to be wasted on a work to which the obscure are adequate.

Wesley's Proverbs 22:29 Bible Commentary

22:29 Before kings - He is fit to be employed in the affairs of princes.