Paragraph 24:5–6 Saying 21

This saying teaches the importance of wise advisors in a time of warfare. Verse 24:5 states the main idea: wisdom enables a person to use his power more effectively. Verse 24:6 provides a specific context (warfare) that illustrates the truth of this statement.

24:5

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

5a
A wise man is strong,

5b and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.

24:5a–b

There is a similar textual issue in both lines. The Notes will summarize the options for both lines together.

(1) According to the Masoretic Text, a wise and knowledgeable man is able to use his strength with great effectiveness. For example:

5a A wise man is full of strength,

5b and a man of knowledge enhances his might, (English Standard Version)

(2) According to the LXX, a wise and knowledgeable man is better than a strong man. For example:

5a A wise man is mightier than a strong man,

5b and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man. (New Living Translation (1996))

It is recommended that you follow option (1) along with most versions. However, both options have good support. If you use textual footnotes, you may want to give option (2) in a footnote. For example:

This is what the Hebrew (MT) says. What is written in the Greek translation (LXX) is: “A wise man is better than a strong man, and a man who has knowledge is more important than a strong man.”

24:5a

A wise man: In the context of war (24:6), the word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as man could refer to a “warrior” (NET Bible). But it could also refer to an adviser. Most versions use the general word man.

is strong: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “[is] in strength.” The word “strength” can refer to physical strength. It can also refer to might or power. In this context, it probably refers to the kind of strength or power that a wise leader possesses to influence or rule over other people.

Some other ways to translate this line are:

A wise man has great power (New International Version)
-or-
Wisdom brings strength (Contemporary English Version)

24:5b

and a man of knowledge enhances his strength: The Berean Standard Bible translates the Hebrew quite literally. It indicates that a man with knowledge is able to use power or strength more effectively. Some other ways to translate this line are:

and knowledge gives power (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
When a man has knowledge, his strength/power increases.

General Comment on 24:5a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder these two lines. For example:

A wise person who knows what he is doing can use his power very effectively.

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