Proverbs 20:6

6 Most men make no secret of their kind acts: but where is a man of good faith to be seen?

Proverbs 20:6 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 20:6

Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness
As the Pharisee did, in ( Luke 18:11 Luke 18:12 ) ; and as the Pharisees in common did; who did all their works to be seen of men, and made clean the outside of the cup and platter; and were very careful to appear outwardly righteous to men, ( Matthew 23:5 Matthew 23:25 Matthew 23:28 ) . And indeed this is the general cast of men; everyone is proclaiming his goodness to others, and would be thought to be good men; and cannot be easy with doing a good action, unless it is known, and particularly acts of beneficence and alms deeds; and are like the Pharisees, who, on such occasions, sounded a trumpet before them, ( Matthew 6:2 ) . And the word may be rendered, "his mercy" {b}, or his kindness to the poor: the Targum renders it,

``many of the children of men are called merciful men;''

and so the Vulgate Latin version; and they like to be so called and accounted, whether they are so or not; but a faithful man who can find?
who answers to the character he gives of himself, or others upon his own representation give him; who is as good as his word, and, having promised assistance and relief, gives it; and who, having boasted that he has done a kindness to such an one and such an one, does the same likewise to another when applied to; or who sticks to his friend, and does not forsake him in his adversity, but supports and supplies him whom he knew in prosperity; it is hard and rare to find such a man; see ( Psalms 12:1 ) . Or, though every man is talking of his good works, and boasting of his goodness, it is difficult to find an Israelite indeed, in whom the true grace of God is.

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 (wdox) "misericordiam suam", Pagninus, so some in Vatablus; "unius cujusque misericordiam", Mercerus, Gejerus.

Proverbs 20:6 In-Context

4 The hater of work will not do his ploughing because of the winter; so at the time of grain-cutting he will be requesting food and will get nothing.

5 The purpose in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of good sense will get it out.

6 Most men make no secret of their kind acts: but where is a man of good faith to be seen?

7 An upright man goes on in his righteousness: happy are his children after him!

8 A king on the seat of judging puts to flight all evil with his eyes.