Proverbs 20:2

2 The dread of a king is like when a lion roars; he who makes him angry commits a life-threatening sin.

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, strong liquor a rowdy; anyone led astray by it is unwise.

2 The dread of a king is like when a lion roars; he who makes him angry commits a life-threatening sin.

3 Avoiding quarrels brings a person honor; for any fool can explode in anger.

4 A lazy person won't plow in winter; so at harvest-time, when he looks, there is nothing.

5 The heart's real intentions are like deep water; but a person with discernment draws them out.