Proverbs 21:22 (BSB)

A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.

From Proverbs 21. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:22

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 21:22: Note, 1. Those that have power are apt to promise themselves great things from their power. The city of the mighty thinks itself impregnable, and therefore its strength is the confidence thereof, what it boasts of and trust in, bidding defiance to danger. 2.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 21:22: A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty,.... Which makes good what is elsewhere said, that "wisdom is better than strength", Ecc 9:16; and sometimes more is done by prudence and wisdom, by art and cunning, by schemes and stratagems, than by power and force; especially in military affairs, and particularly in besieging and taking fortified cities; when one wise man, by his wisdom...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 21:22: "Wisdom is better than strength" (Ecc 7:19; Ecc 9:15). strength . . . thereof--that in which they confide.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 21:22: A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of its confidence. (k) Wisdom overcomes strength and confidence in worldly things.