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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Proverbs 24:21
What does Proverbs 24:21 mean?
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Proverbs 24:21
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The phrase "those who are given to change" doesn't just mean rebels or revolutionaries; it points to people who are fundamentally unstable and prone to shifting their loyalties, whether to God or to human authority. This verse urges us to steer clear of their restless, unstable influence, warning that such unpredictability carries its own severe consequences.
My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage from Proverbs is a direct address from a wise teacher to a student, urging them toward stability and order. It's nestled within a section that contrasts the paths of wisdom and folly, emphasizing the consequences of each. Immediately following this, the text will elaborate on the sudden downfall of those who reject wisdom and authority.
Why does Proverbs place the 'king' immediately after 'the LORD' and link them so closely? What does this dual 'fear' truly mean?
This verse calls for a profound respect and obedience, starting with God and extending to earthly rulers.
Reverence for the Divine
The primary call is to 'fear the LORD.' This isn't about being terrified, but about awe, reverence, and a deep respect that acknowledges God's ultimate authority and goodness. It means orienting your life around His commands and character.
The King as God's Representative
Following this, we're told to 'fear the king.' This doesn't elevate the king to God's level, but recognizes him as God's appointed representative on earth. Obedience to the king is an act of obedience to God, as long as it doesn't contradict God's will. This acknowledges the divine order and the necessity of stable governance.
The Danger of Conflicting Loyalties
This careful ordering is crucial. Our ultimate loyalty must always be to God. When human authority conflicts with divine commands, our obedience must lie with God, as Scripture says, 'We must obey God rather than human beings' (Acts 5:29).
The verse warns against 'those who are given to change.' What kind of 'change' is so dangerous that it needs to be avoided?
The core message here is a strong caution against associating with those who are constantly seeking to destabilize or overthrow established order – both in faith and in governance.
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The Spirit of Innovation
'Those given to change' are individuals who are restless, unstable, and perhaps even rebellious. They might be seeking to 'change' the laws of God, the structure of society, or their own loyalties. This isn't about healthy growth or positive reform, but a dangerous tendency towards disruption and disorder.
The Peril of Association
Proverbs urges us not to 'meddle' or 'mix' with such people. This means avoiding their counsel, their practices, and even their familiar conversation. Associating with them can draw you into their trouble, corrupt your own loyalty, or lead you down a path of rebellion and ruin.
A Foundation of Steadfastness
The wisdom here calls for steadfastness in both our fear of God and our respect for legitimate authority. Embracing constant, disruptive change, especially when it disregards divine or civil order, is a path that leads to 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 passage highlights that rebellion is like the sin of sorcery and stubbornness is like the sin of idolatry, showing the deep connection between defying God and defying His appointed authorities.
Romans 13:1-7Paul directly instructs believers to be subject to governing authorities, explaining that they are established by God and are His servants to uphold good and punish evil, reinforcing the wisdom of respecting the king.
1 Peter 2:13-17Peter echoes the sentiment of Proverbs, urging submission to every human institution, particularly the king, not just out of fear of punishment but as an act of obedience to God.
Jeremiah 2:11This verse describes Israel 'changing' their God for worthless idols, illustrating the grave spiritual danger of instability and forsaking what is true and right, similar to the 'changers' warned against in Proverbs.
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…
The phrase "those who are given to change" doesn't just mean rebels or revolutionaries; it points to people who are fundamentally unstable and prone to shifting their loyalties, whether to God or to human authority. This verse urges us to steer clear of their restless, unstable influence, warning that such unpredictability carries its own severe consequences.
This passage from Proverbs is a direct address from a wise teacher to a student, urging them toward stability and order. It's nestled within a section that contrasts the paths of wisdom and folly, emphasizing the consequences of each. Immediately following this, the text will elaborate on the sudden downfall of those who reject wisdom and authority.
This passage from Proverbs is a direct address from a wise teacher to a student, urging them toward stability and order. It's nestled within a section that contrasts the paths of wisdom and folly, emphasizing the consequences of each. Immediately following this, the text will elaborate on the sudden downfall of those who reject wisdom and authority.
"My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise," — The phrase "those who are given to change" doesn't just mean rebels or revolutionaries; it points to people who are fundamentally unstable and prone to shifting their loyalties, whether to God or to…
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Last reviewed October 2026