Proverbs 24:21

“My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change.”

Proverbs 24:21 (KJV) states:

“My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change.”

Context:Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament attributed to King Solomon. It contains practical advice and teachings for living a wise and righteous life. Proverbs 24:21 is part of a collection of proverbs offering guidance on various topics.

Fear the Lord and the king:The verse begins with the instruction to “fear thou the Lord and the king.” “Fear” here does not imply a sense of terror but rather reverence, respect, and obedience. The “Lord” refers to God, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a proper relationship with Him. The “king” generally refers to earthly rulers or authorities. It encourages a proper respect for human authority structures established by God.

Meddle not with them that are given to change:The verse concludes with the cautionary phrase “and meddle not with them that are given to change.” “Meddle” can be understood as “associate with” or “join.” “Them that are given to change” refers to people who are rebellious, constantly seeking to bring about change, or disrupt the established order.

Lessons and Applications:

• Reverence for God and respect for authority:The verse highlights the importance of having a reverential fear of God and respecting earthly authorities. As believers, we should honour and obey both God’s divine authority and the legitimate authorities that God has placed in our lives, such as government leaders, employers, and spiritual leaders.
• Stability and contentment:By cautioning against meddling with those who are given to change, the verse emphasizes the value of stability and contentment. It suggests that we should be careful not to align ourselves with individuals or movements that promote rebellion or disrupt the established order without just cause. Instead, we should seek to live peaceful lives, contributing positively to society.
• Discernment and wise associations:The verse encourages discernment in choosing our associations. While it does not suggest isolation or avoidance of all change, it advises against aligning with those who are habitually disruptive or promote rebellion without just cause. We should exercise wisdom in our relationships and be cautious about embracing every new idea or movement that comes along.
• Application in the New Testament:While this verse is from the Old Testament, its principles find resonance in the New Testament. The apostle Paul, for example, instructs believers to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7), recognizing God’s established order. However, when obedience to human authorities conflicts with obedience to God’s commands, we are to prioritise our loyalty to God (Acts 5:29).

In summary, Proverbs 24:21 emphasises the importance of fearing God, respecting earthly authorities, and exercising discernment in our associations. It encourages us to seek stability, contentment, and wise relationships while cautioning against aligning with those who promote rebellion or disrupt the established order without just cause.