Proverbs 22:29 (BSB)

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

From Proverbs 22. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 22:29

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 22:29: Here is, 1. A plain intimation what a hard thing it is to find a truly ingenious industrious man: "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? Thou wilt not see many such, so epidemical are dulness and slothfulness." He is here commended who lays out himself to get business, though it be but in a very low and narrow sphere, and is not easy...
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 22:29: Seest thou a man diligent in his business?.... In the business of his calling, be it what it will, whether for himself or his master; constant in it, swift, ready, and expeditious at it; who industriously pursues it, cheerfully attends it, makes quick dispatch of it; does it off of hand, at once, and is not slothful in it, nor weary of it; when you...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 22:29: Success rewards diligence (Pro 10:4; Pro 21:5). Next: Proverbs Chapter 23
• Keil & Delitzsch (Lutheran), Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament on Proverbs 22:29: Pro 22:29 After these four proverbs beginning with אל, a new series begins with the following tristich: 29 Seest thou a man who is expert in his calling - Before kings may he stand; Not stand before obscure men;i.e., he can enter into the service of kings, and needs not to enter into the service of mean men = he is entitled to claim the highest official post.