Proverbs 24:21-22
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The phrase "those who are given to change" isn't just about people who like new things; it points to those who are unstable and rebellious against God and authority. The verse warns against associating with such individuals, suggesting their "changeable" nature leads to a dangerous instability that ultimately results in their own ruin.
My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise, for disaster will arise suddenly from them, and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a larger section in Proverbs that offers wisdom for living righteously, contrasting the paths of the wise and the foolish. Just before this, the text warns against the consequences of laziness and injustice, and here the focus shifts to the importance of honoring God and established authority. The verses that follow will further elaborate on the sudden downfall of those who reject God and king.
Why does Proverbs place the 'fear of God' before the 'fear of the king'? It's not just about obedience; it's about the source of authority.
This verse calls us to "fear the LORD and the king." It's a crucial order of priority. The "fear of the LORD" means reverence, awe, and deep respect for God’s authority, His commands, and His character. It’s the foundation of all true wisdom and right living.
When it says to also "fear the king," it means honoring and obeying civil authorities. Kings, in this context, represent the established government. However, the order matters. Our obedience to earthly rulers is always subordinate to our obedience to God. If a king commands something contrary to God’s law, our ultimate loyalty belongs to the Lord.
This isn't about being afraid in a cowering way, but about recognizing their God-ordained authority and respecting it.
The verse warns against 'those who are given to change.' What kind of 'change' is so dangerous that it warrants such a stark warning?
The phrase 'those who are given to change' refers to people who are unstable, rebellious, or constantly seeking to overthrow the established order, whether in government or in faith. They are restless, always looking to 'change' things, not for the better, but often out of discontent, pride, or a desire to disrupt.
This includes those who are disloyal to God and His ways, or those who are disaffected with their rulers and prone to rebellion. Associating with such individuals is dangerous because their unstable spirit and rebellious ideas can easily infect you. It's a warning against getting mixed up in conspiracies, sedition, or any form of disrespect that undermines rightful authority.
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It’s about avoiding those who are 'otherwise disposed' – those who don't share the proper respect and honor for God and legitimate authority.
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.
'eyd · Hebrew Noun
A state of sudden, unforeseen calamity or catastrophic destruction, often used in Proverbs to describe the consequences of wickedness or folly.
piyd · Hebrew Noun
Sudden destruction, overthrow, or downfall. It refers to the collapse of one's life, security, or future, often as a result of divine judgment or sinful patterns.
This passage highlights the conditional nature of fearing God and the king, emphasizing that true loyalty to earthly rulers is rooted in faithfulness to God.
Romans 13:1-7Paul directly teaches that governing authorities are established by God, reinforcing the idea of fearing and submitting to the king as a God-ordained responsibility.
1 Peter 2:17Peter echoes the sentiment of Proverbs, urging believers to 'Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor,' linking respect for God and civil authority.
Jeremiah 2:11This verse speaks of a people who have 'exchanged their glory for what is no advantage,' illustrating the profound folly of abandoning God, a concept that aligns with avoiding those 'given to change' from righteous ways.
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" isn't just about people who like new things; it points to those who are unstable and rebellious against God and authority. The verse warns against associating with such individuals, suggesting their "changeable" nature leads to a dangerous instability that ultimately results in their own ruin.
This passage is part of a larger section in Proverbs that offers wisdom for living righteously, contrasting the paths of the wise and the foolish. Just before this, the text warns against the consequences of laziness and injustice, and here the focus shifts to the importance of honoring God and established authority. The verses that follow will further elaborate on the sudden downfall of those who reject God and king.
This passage is part of a larger section in Proverbs that offers wisdom for living righteously, contrasting the paths of the wise and the foolish. Just before this, the text warns against the consequences of laziness and injustice, and here the focus shifts to the importance of honoring God and established authority. The verses that follow will further elaborate on the sudden downfall of those who reject God and king.
"My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise, for disaster will arise suddenly from them, and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?" — The phrase "those who are given to change" isn't just about people who like new things; it points to those who are unstable and rebellious against God and authority. The verse warns against associati…
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Last reviewed October 2026
