Proverbs 21.22
“A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.”
People who possess worldly power build strongholds in which they place great trust. Their strongholds can be political, financial, social, or even personal. Thinking they are safe behind the walls of their worldly fortress, they operate with little regard for the welfare of others, seeking only to advance their own agenda.
Solomon issues a warning to people of worldly power: Wisdom is stronger than the defenses of any fortress. True wisdom is powerful, and it will break through and bring down the strongholds of those who trust in the things of the world. Here is what Paul says: “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10.4)
No matter how prestigious or powerful, the things of the world are at best temporary and transient. They are short-lived and fleeting. Only the things of the kingdom of God are permanent and eternal.
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2.15-17)
The only things that are permanent and lasting are those things built in alignment with God’s eternal truth. Security in the things of the world is an illusion. Politics and power, business and commerce, popularity and celebrity … these are all pseudo-security. If those things come to you, that’s fine, but do not be seduced by them. Your identity and security must always be grounded in the God who created you, redeemed you, and calls you to himself.
“You have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for all flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever. And this word is the good news that was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1.23-25)
