Proverbs 24:5 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

A wise man is strong— The LXX read, A wise man is better than a strong one, and a man of understanding than a strong labourer. This reading seems preferable to ours; which, however, may imply according to the original, A wise man is better than a strong one, and a man of knowledge than he who is mighty in strength. The following verse is connected with this, as a proof how much wisdom is preferable to strength. For by wise counsel, &c. i.e. "This is plainly seen in war itself, wherein success is often owing more to conduct than force." The LXX support this meaning.

Proverbs 24:5

5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.