Proverbs 20:2

2 A king is as terrifying as a lion's growl. Those who anger him may lose their life.

Proverbs 20:2 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 20:2

The fear of a king [is] as the roaring of a lion
The wrath and displeasure of a king, which causes fear; see ( Proverbs 19:12 ) ; kings should be terrors to evil works and workers, though not to good ones, ( Romans 13:3 ) . This is true of the King of kings, who one day will be terrible to the drunkards, the mockers, and murderers of his people, before spoken of; [whoso] provoketh him to anger sinneth [against] his own soul;
he exposes his life to danger: the Targum supplies it as we do. It may be rendered, his "soul sinneth" ^F1; he is guilty of sin, as well as is in danger of punishment; see ( Proverbs 8:36 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F1 (wvpn ajwx) .

Proverbs 20:2 In-Context

1 Wine is a mocker; beer a carouser. Those it leads astray won't become wise.

2 A king is as terrifying as a lion's growl. Those who anger him may lose their life.

3 It is honorable to back off from a fight, but fools jump right in.

4 The lazy don't plow during winter; at harvest they look but find nothing.

5 Advice comes from the deep waters of the heart; those with understanding can draw it out.