Proverbs 20:20

20 If anyone calls down curses on his father or mother, his lamp will be blown out in total darkness.

Proverbs 20:20 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 20:20

Whoso curseth his father or his mother
This is dreadful indeed! a person must be got to a great pitch of wickedness to do this; to curse his parents, one or other of them, that have been the instruments of his being, and by whom he has been brought up and put out into the world; to slight them, despise them, and mock at them, is highly base and criminal, but to curse them is shocking! what can such expect but the curse of God upon them? his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness;
he shall be deprived of his natural sight; see ( Proverbs 30:17 ) ; or the very light of nature shall be extinct in him; and indeed such an one acts as if not guided by it, nor under its influence; or whatsoever favour from the Lord he has enjoyed, it shall be taken from him; his lamp or candle of outward felicity shall be quenched, and burn no longer; see ( Job 18:5 ) ( 22:17 ) ; or his soul, the candle of the Lord, in him, ( Proverbs 20:27 ) ; shall be removed; or he "shall die", not only a corporeal but an eternal death; see ( Exodus 21:17 ) ; "blackness of darkness" F8 as the words may be rendered, are reserved for him in the world to come, and which will be his portion, ( Jude 1:13 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F8 (Kvx Nwvyab) "in obscuritate tenebrarum", Pagninus, Mercerus; "in nigredine tenebrarum", Michaelis.

Proverbs 20:20 In-Context

18 Make plans by asking for guidance. If you go to war, get good advice.
19 A person who talks about others tells secrets. So avoid anyone who talks too much.
20 If anyone calls down curses on his father or mother, his lamp will be blown out in total darkness.
21 Property you gain quickly at the beginning will not be blessed in the end.
22 Don't say, "I'll get even with you for the wrong you did to me!" Wait for the Lord, and he will save you.
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