Paragraph 24:21–22 Saying 30

In this saying, the teacher advises his son to respect and obey both the LORD and the king (24:21). If he opposes them, disaster will be the result (24:22).

24:21

The first line is a positive command: it tells the son what he should do in regard to the highest rulers in heaven and on earth. The second line is a negative command: it tells the son what he should not do in regard to people who rebel against either of these rulers.

21a My son, fear the LORD and the king,

21b and do not associate with the rebellious.

24:21a

My son: See how you translated this phrase in 24:13. In that verse, the Berean Standard Bible put the phrase in the middle of the sentence. You should put it wherever it is natural in your language.

fear the LORD and the king: In Proverbs, the command fear the LORD occurs only here. The noun phrase “the fear of the LORD” occurs frequently. It last occurred in 23:17. See the note on 10:27a for translation advice.

This command indicates that the son should fear and respect both of these rulers. He should also submit to their authority and obey them. When the phrase applies only to the LORD, the meaning includes reverential awe. Here the command applies also to the king, so it does not include this aspect of meaning.

If possible, choose a word or words that express at least two aspects of meaning. For example:

Respect and obey the LORD and also the king/chief

24:21b

and do not associate with the rebellious: There are textual and interpretation issues here. The notes will discuss both kinds of issues together:

(1) The Masoretic Text has “do not associate with those who change.” The phrase “those who change” means “people who rebel.” For example:

and do not associate with rebels (NET Bible)

(2) The Masoretic Text has “do not associate with those who change.” The phrase “those who change” means “people who like to try new ways of doing things.” For example:

Do not associate with those who are given to change (New American Standard Bible)

(3) The LXX has “do not disobey either of them.” For example:

and do not disobey either of them (New Revised Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). Most versions and commentaries follow this option. Some other ways to translate this option are:

Have nothing to do with people who rebel against them (Good News Translation)
-or-
and you must not make friends with anyone who rebels against either of them (Contemporary English Version)

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