For they will bring sudden destruction.This phrase warns of the consequences that come from associating with those who rebel against authority or engage in wickedness. The suddenness of the destruction implies an unexpected and swift judgment, reminiscent of the sudden downfall of the wicked in other parts of Scripture, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (
Genesis 19:24-25). The idea of sudden destruction is also echoed in the New Testament, where Paul warns of the suddenness of the Day of the Lord (
1 Thessalonians 5:3). This serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of divine judgment and the importance of living righteously.
Who knows what ruin they can bring?
This rhetorical question emphasizes the uncertainty and potential severity of the consequences of aligning with those who oppose God's ways. The unpredictability of the ruin suggests that it could be more extensive and devastating than anticipated. This echoes the wisdom literature's theme of the limits of human understanding and the need for reliance on God's wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6). The phrase also serves as a caution against complacency, urging believers to remain vigilant and discerning in their associations and actions. The ruin brought by the wicked can be both physical and spiritual, affecting not only individuals but entire communities, as seen in the historical accounts of Israel's disobedience leading to exile (2 Kings 17:6-23).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Solomon- Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His writings often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.
2.
The Wise and the Foolish- Throughout Proverbs, Solomon contrasts the wise, who fear the Lord and follow His commandments, with the foolish, who reject wisdom and face destruction.
3.
Rulers and Authorities- The context of this verse involves the potential for rulers or authorities to bring about sudden destruction, emphasizing the need for discernment and respect for authority.
Teaching Points
Respect for AuthorityChristians are called to respect and submit to authorities, recognizing that God has established them for order and justice.
The Consequences of RebellionRebelling against authority can lead to sudden and unforeseen destruction. Believers should exercise wisdom and discernment in their interactions with those in power.
The Unpredictability of JudgmentThe verse warns of the unpredictability of judgment and destruction. It serves as a reminder to live righteously and be prepared for the consequences of our actions.
The Fear of the LordTrue wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. By aligning our lives with His will, we can avoid the pitfalls of foolishness and destruction.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 24:22?
2.How can we apply Proverbs 24:22 to respect authority in our lives?
3.What does Proverbs 24:22 teach about consequences of rebelling against rulers?
4.How does Romans 13:1-2 connect with Proverbs 24:22 on authority?
5.Why is fearing the Lord and king crucial according to Proverbs 24:22?
6.How can Proverbs 24:22 guide our prayers for leaders and authorities?
7.What does Proverbs 24:22 mean by "calamity" and how should it affect our actions?
8.How does Proverbs 24:22 relate to the concept of divine justice?
9.Why does Proverbs 24:22 warn against associating with those who rebel against authority?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 24?
11.Proverbs 24:21–22: Why is fearing both God and the king endorsed, given numerous biblical accounts of corrupt or idolatrous kings?
12.Has there been any historical or archaeological evidence to support the fulfillment of Malachi 4:3, where the righteous literally tread on the ashes of the wicked?
13.How can Psalm 37:9 ('evildoers shall be cut off') be taken seriously when many wicked individuals throughout history have lived long and prosperous lives?
14.Proverbs 14:34: How do we explain the rise and fall of nations that show little adherence to righteous or biblical principles?What Does Proverbs 24:22 Mean
For they will bring sudden destruction- God places legitimate authority in both the heavenly and earthly realms (Romans 13:1–2;Daniel 2:21). When a person defiantly opposes that authority, the Lord warns that “sudden destruction” is the certain outcome.
- “Sudden” underscores how quickly consequences can fall. Just as inProverbs 6:15 (“Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in an instant he will be broken beyond remedy,”), discipline may seem delayed, yet it strikes without warning once God’s limit is reached.
- Historical examples reinforce the point:
• Korah and his followers—“the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them” (Numbers 16:31-33).
• King Uzziah—instantly stricken with leprosy when he usurped priestly authority (2 Chronicles 26:16-20).
• Herod Agrippa—“an angel of the Lord struck him” immediately after he accepted blasphemous praise (Acts 12:21-23).
- In each case, rebellion against God-ordained rule produced immediate, unmistakable judgment, validating the literal truth of Solomon’s warning.
Who knows what ruin they can bring?- The question is rhetorical, driving home that the scope of the fallout is unpredictable and potentially limitless (Ecclesiastes 9:12).
- Rebellion rarely harms only the rebel:
• Achan’s secret sin led to Israel’s defeat and the death of his entire family (Joshua 7:1-26).
• Absalom’s conspiracy triggered civil war, costing thousands of lives (2 Samuel 18:6-8).
• False teachers “secretly introduce destructive heresies,” bringing “swift destruction upon themselves” and misguiding many (2 Peter 2:1).
- “Who knows” invites humble self-examination. We cannot predict how far-reaching the damage may be—whether to our relationships, our witness, or our nation—so the safest course is wholehearted submission to the Lord and the authorities He appoints (1 Peter 2:13-17;Titus 3:1-2).
summaryProverbs 24:22 sounds a sober alarm: rebellion against God and His established leaders unleashes judgment that comes suddenly and spreads unpredictably. Scripture’s track record proves it. The wise therefore cultivate a reverent, obedient heart, trusting that God’s order protects and blesses all who walk within it.
(22)
The ruin of them both--
i.e., the rebels against God and the king.
Verse 22. -
For their calamity shall rise suddenly. Though these dissidents seem to succeed for a time, yet retribution shall fall suddenly upon them.
And who knoweth the ruin of them both? This seems to mean the two classes, those who dishonour God and those who dishonour the king; but no such distinction is made in the previous verse; the rebels are classed under one category. Wordsworth renders, "the stroke of vengeance from them both,"
i.
e. from God and the king. Otherwise, we must give another signification to
שׁניהם, and, with the Syriac and many modern commentators, take it in the sense of "years," which
שְׁנֵיהֶם will bear, as
Job 36:11, and translate, "The destruction [equivalent to 'end'] of their years, who knoweth?" No one can tell when the crisis of their fate shall come; but it will arrive some day, and then the time of their prosperity will be at an end. Septuagint, "For they (God and the king) will suddenly punish the ungodly; and who shall know the vengeance of both (
τὰς τιμωρίαςἀμφοτέρων)?" After this the LXX. inserts three proverbs not found now in the Hebrew, which, however, Ewald ('Jahrb. der Bibl. Wissensch.,' 11:17, etc.) considers to have been translated from a Hebrew original: "A son that keepeth the commandment shall be safe from destruction (
Proverbs 29:27, Vulgate), and he hath fully received it (the word). Let no lie be spoken by the tongue of the king; and no he shall proceed from his tongue. The king's tongue is a sword, and not of flesh; and whosoever shall be delivered unto it shall be destroyed; for if his anger be inflamed, he consumes men with their nerves, and devours men's bones, and burns them up as a flame, so that they are not food for the young eagles." The allusion at the end is to animals killed by lightning. Here follows the series of proverbs (
Proverbs 30:1-14) called in the Hebrew, "The words of Agur." The second part of "the words of Agur," and "the words of Lemuel" (
Proverbs 30:15-31:9) follow in the Greek after
Proverbs 24:34 of the Hebrew. Delitzsch explains the matter thus: In the copy from which the Alexandrines translated, the appendix (
Proverbs 30-31:9) was divided into two parts, half of it standing after "the words of the wise" (
Proverbs 22:17-24:22), and half after the supplement containing further sayings of wise men (
Proverbs 24:23-34).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction[those two] will bringיָק֣וּם(yā·qūm)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965:To arise, stand up, standsuddenפִ֭תְאֹם(p̄iṯ·’ōm)Adverb
Strong's 6597:Suddenness, suddenlydestruction;אֵידָ֑ם(’ê·ḏām)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 343:Oppression, misfortune, ruinwhoמִ֣י(mî)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixknowsיוֹדֵֽעַ׃(yō·w·ḏê·a‘)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3045:To knowwhat ruinוּפִ֥יד(ū·p̄îḏ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6365:Ruin, disaster[they] can bring?שְׁ֝נֵיהֶ֗ם(nê·hem)Number - mdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)
Links
Proverbs 24:22 NIVProverbs 24:22 NLTProverbs 24:22 ESVProverbs 24:22 NASBProverbs 24:22 KJV
Proverbs 24:22 BibleApps.comProverbs 24:22 Biblia ParalelaProverbs 24:22 Chinese BibleProverbs 24:22 French BibleProverbs 24:22 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 24:22 For their calamity will rise suddenly (Prov. Pro Pr) 
