Proverbs 24:5-6
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It’s easy to read this as just saying wisdom makes you powerful. But notice the phrasing: "A wise man is in strength." This suggests wisdom isn't just a personal quality, but a state of being, like being anchored in a secure place. And "a man of knowledge strengthens might" implies that knowledge doesn't just add power; it actively builds and reinforces it, making it more robust and effective.
A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb is part of a larger section in Proverbs that contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of fools, often using the imagery of building and warfare. Immediately following this verse, the text warns that such strength and knowledge are useless if a fool is in charge or if one acts rashly, highlighting the importance of proper application and good counsel. The verses before and after emphasize the need for thoughtful planning and wise leadership, framing this statement about wisdom and strength as a foundational principle for effective action.
What good is brute force if you don't know how or when to use it? This proverb reveals that true power isn't just about physical might, but about the strategic advantage wisdom provides.
Proverbs 24:5 starts by declaring, 'A wise man is strong.' This isn't about physical prowess alone. Think of a skilled general who can outmaneuver a larger army, or a brilliant engineer who can build what seems impossible. Their strength lies not just in their own ability, but in their wisdom guiding their actions.
The verse continues, 'and a man of knowledge enhances his might.' This points to the idea that wisdom isn't static; it grows. The more knowledge and understanding we gain, the more our capacity to act effectively and powerfully increases. This isn't just about worldly power; it's about the strength to live rightly, to overcome challenges, and to make wise decisions that have lasting impact.
Beyond practical skills, what kind of knowledge truly makes a person mighty? This proverb hints at a deeper, spiritual dimension to strength.
While the proverb speaks to general wisdom, its ultimate application, especially within the Book of Proverbs, points to spiritual wisdom. A person might be skilled in worldly matters, but true, lasting strength comes from knowing God and His ways.
This 'knowledge' is not just intellectual assent but a deep understanding that leads to trust and reliance on God. It's the strength that allows one to face trials with courage, resist temptation, and live with integrity, not by their own power, but through the strength God provides. This spiritual grounding empowers us to navigate life's complexities with resilience and purpose.
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Understand the original words
'oz · Hebrew Noun
The physical, mental, or spiritual capacity to accomplish tasks or endure hardship; in the context of the wise, it is often the empowerment that comes from God through obedience to His law.
tachbulah · Hebrew Noun
Practical insight, skill for living, or applied knowledge gained through experience and fearing God. It is the ability to discern and act rightly in various life situations.
teshu'ah · Hebrew Noun
The state or quality of winning, salvation, deliverance, or safety. It implies triumph over obstacles or enemies through God's aid or sound strategy.
This passage echoes the idea that wisdom, even if seemingly small or overlooked, is more powerful than brute strength, similar to how wisdom is presented as a source of strength in Proverbs.
1 Samuel 14:6Jonathan's bold declaration, 'Nothing can keep the LORD from saving by many or by few,' shows how true strength and effectiveness come from God and can be channeled through a wise, faith-filled individual, regardless of physical might.
Daniel 11:32This verse speaks of people who act wickedly against the covenant, but also those who 'know their God' and act with great strength, linking knowledge of God directly to increased spiritual power and resilience.
1 Corinthians 1:25Paul highlights that 'the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men,' directly contrasting worldly strength with the superior power found in divine wisdom and perspective.
2 Peter 3:18The encouragement to 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ' suggests that spiritual knowledge is not static but leads to growth and increasing strength in our faith walk.
jfbProverbs 24:5: "A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength."
5, 6. The general statement (Ec 9:16, 18) is specially illustrated (compare Pr 21:22; Ps 144:1).
clarkeProverbs 24:5: "A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength."
A wise man is strong - His wisdom enables him to construct a great variety of machines, by which, under his own influence, he can do the labor of a hundred or even a thousand men. But in all cases wisdom gives power and influence; and he who is wise to salvation can overcome even Satan himself. The Septuagint has: "The wise is better than the strong; and the man who has prudence, than a stout husbandman."
It’s easy to read this as just saying wisdom makes you powerful. But notice the phrasing: "A wise man is in strength." This suggests wisdom isn't just a personal quality, but a state of being, like being anchored in a secure place. And "a man of knowledge strengthens might" implies that knowledge doesn't just add power; it actively builds and reinforces it, making it more robust and effective.
This proverb is part of a larger section in Proverbs that contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of fools, often using the imagery of building and warfare. Immediately following this verse, the text warns that such strength and knowledge are useless if a fool is in charge or if one acts rashly, highlighting the importance of proper application and good counsel. The verses before and after emphasize the need for thoughtful planning and wise leadership, framing this statement about wisdom and strength as a foundational principle for effective action.
This proverb is part of a larger section in Proverbs that contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of fools, often using the imagery of building and warfare. Immediately following this verse, the text warns that such strength and knowledge are useless if a fool is in charge or if one acts rashly, highlighting the importance of proper application and good counsel. The verses before and after emphasize the need for thoughtful planning and wise leadership, framing this statement about wisdom and strength as a foundational principle for effective action.
"A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." — It’s easy to read this as just saying wisdom makes you powerful. But notice the phrasing: "A wise man is in strength." This suggests wisdom isn't just a personal quality, but a state of being, like…
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Last reviewed October 2026
