Sharpen Your Sword (Proverbs 22:29)

Proverbs 22:29 says, "Do you see someone diligent in their business? They will stand before kings; they will not stand before mean (men)."

The two main words of this study, are the words "diligent", and "mean".

DILIGENT - The Hebrew word that is translated into the English word "diligent", is only used four times in the OT. (Ezra 7:6; Ps. 45:1; Prov. 22:29; Is.16:5).

The basic root meaning of the word is that of  "speed" and "quickness" at something. Derived from this foundational thought, came the idea that someone who was quick or fast at doing something was also probably very "skilled" at their task.  Therefore the secondary meaning of "skilled" developed, meaning one who had mastered a certain task.

The LXX uses a Greek word here, to translate the Hebrew, meaning "sharp" or "to have a piercing point or keen edge", specifically referring to a weapon. It has a secondary meaning of "swift" or "eager", but is translated by the LXX as "sharp", conveying a totally different, yet related thought to the Hebrew.

MEAN - This word is more literally translated from the Hebrew, as "obscure", meaning that you can't see it very well. Though this is the only place this word is used in the OT, the root word and its derivatives often refer to the literal absence of light.

In the Ancient Near East, light was associated with God and goodness, whereas darkness was associated with evil. Darkness is also a metaphor for ignorance.

The LXX translates this Hebrew word with the Greek word meaning "dull", which is a play on words from the meaning of "sharp", however the word is actually a compound word literally translated  "no push".  It was a common slang word for a donkey, meaning that you could not get them moving.

This Greek word is in direct opposition to the Hebrew word for diligent, meaning "speedy" or "quick".

The two different languages give us a very vivid picture of what is intended in meaning. The Hebrew speaks of those who are quick at what they do and therefore skilled, and the Greek identifies the reason for this, as being that they have taken the time to sharpen their weapon, and kept it sharp.

The text goes on to say that these type of people will find themselves before kings, with the specific meaning being in the service of the king and in the favored position of service in the kings court.

They will not find themselves among those who are in darkness, or in ignorance. [i.e., those who did not take the time to sharpen their swords or bring themselves out of ignorance through knowledge]. The result in these persons lives, is that they are hard to "move" ahead in life, and live in obscurity among the dull, listless number who do not develop themselves into what God has called them to be.

It is said that if you will read a book a month in any given field, that after five short years you will begin to gain mastery and promotion in that field of study. The same bears true in the area of music or numerous other vocations; that if you will consistently sharpen your sword, you won't end up with those who obviously do not sharpen their weapon. [the dull].

Pursue what God has put inside of you and be "diligent" to develop what He has given you.

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours