Proverbs 24:21
My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about general obedience; it specifically warns against associating with those who are "given to change." This points to a deeper danger than mere disagreement – it’s about people who are fundamentally unstable, constantly seeking to overturn established order, whether in faith or in governance. The wisdom here is to recognize that real change often starts with a rot in loyalty, and aligning yourself with such restless spirits invites trouble.
This proverb comes within a section of Proverbs that offers practical wisdom for living a righteous life, following the teachings of Solomon. It’s nestled between advice on maintaining justice and avoiding foolish company, urging the reader to embrace wisdom. The verses immediately following warn against hasty rebellion and emphasize the sudden ruin that befalls those who stir up trouble.
We're told to 'fear' two entities here. What does this 'fear' really mean, and why is God mentioned before the king?
This verse calls us to 'fear' both the LORD and the king. This 'fear' isn't about being terrified, but a deep reverence, awe, and respect that leads to obedience.
God's Supreme Authority
The text places God first, and for good reason. Our obedience to earthly rulers is always subordinate to our obedience to God. When the king's commands contradict God's clear commands, our ultimate allegiance lies with the LORD.
The King's Role as God's Representative
The king, in this ancient context, is seen as God's vicegerent—his representative on earth. Therefore, honoring the king is an extension of honoring God, as long as the king doesn't demand actions that violate divine law.
The verse warns against 'those who are given to change.' What does this warning mean for us today?
The Hebrew word used here for 'change' or 'changers' suggests instability, restlessness, and a tendency toward rebellion.
The Danger of 'Changelings'
This isn't a call to avoid all forms of change or progress. Instead, it warns against those who are constantly seeking to disrupt established, godly order—whether in government or in faith.
These 'changelings' are unstable in their loyalty to God and their rulers. They are prone to plotting, dissent, and rebellion. The proverb advises us not to mix with them, to avoid their company and influence, because their destructive path often leads to sudden calamity.
Understand the original words
yara' · Hebrew Verb/Noun
The reverent, awe-filled submission to God's authority and character. It involves honoring God as the supreme Sovereign and living in accordance with His commands.
This verse highlights rebellion against God's authority as akin to the sin of witchcraft, reinforcing the idea that rejecting God's ordained order, whether divine or human, is a serious offense.
Romans 13:1-7Paul directly instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, explaining that they are established by God, which strongly supports the command to fear the king as an extension of fearing God.
1 Peter 2:17This passage parallels Proverbs 24:21 by urging believers to 'Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor,' directly linking reverence for God with respect for earthly rulers.
Ecclesiastes 8:2-5This passage advises keeping the king's command and acting wisely in his presence, emphasizing respect for royal authority and caution in dealing with it, which resonates with the caution against 'those given to change'.
Jeremiah 2:11This verse speaks of a people who have 'exchanged their glory for what is no advantage,' illustrating the foolishness and danger of abandoning true worship and loyalty for something worthless, similar to 'those given to change'.
pooleProverbs 24:21: "My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:"
Fear thou the Lord and the king; honour and obey both God and the king, and all in authority. He puts God before the king, because God is to be served in the first place, and our obedience is to be giver, to kings only in subordination to God, and not in those things which are contrary to the will and command of God, as is manifest both from plain Scripture, as Acts 5:29 , and from the…
bensonProverbs 24:21: "My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:"
Proverbs 24:21-22 . My son, fear thou the Lord and the king — Honour and obey both God and the king, and all in authority. He properly puts God before the king, because God is to be served in the first place, and our obedience is to be paid to kings only in subordination to God, and not in those things which are contrary to God’s will and command; and meddle not with them that are given…
This verse isn't just about general obedience; it specifically warns against associating with those who are "given to change." This points to a deeper danger than mere disagreement – it’s about people who are fundamentally unstable, constantly seeking to overturn established order, whether in faith or in governance. The wisdom here is to recognize that real change often starts with a rot in loyalty, and aligning yourself with such restless spirits invites trouble.
This proverb comes within a section of Proverbs that offers practical wisdom for living a righteous life, following the teachings of Solomon. It’s nestled between advice on maintaining justice and avoiding foolish company, urging the reader to embrace wisdom. The verses immediately following warn against hasty rebellion and emphasize the sudden ruin that befalls those who stir up trouble.
This proverb comes within a section of Proverbs that offers practical wisdom for living a righteous life, following the teachings of Solomon. It’s nestled between advice on maintaining justice and avoiding foolish company, urging the reader to embrace wisdom. The verses immediately following warn against hasty rebellion and emphasize the sudden ruin that befalls those who stir up trouble.
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"My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise," — This verse isn't just about general obedience; it specifically warns against associating with those who are "given to change." This points to a deeper danger than mere disagreement – it’s about peopl…
