Proverbs 16:20

20 The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.[a]

Proverbs 16:20 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:20

He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good
That frames and composes his discourse well on any subject he takes in hand; or manages his affairs prudently and discreetly, in which he is concerned; or that wisely attends to the affair of humility, as Aben Ezra: or rather to the word, that is, to the word of God; is not a careless, negligent, unconcerned hearer of the word, but a diligent and attentive one; whose heart is opened by the Spirit of God to attend to what is spoken in it; who lays it up in his heart, and makes it the rule of his conduct in life: such a man finds good things; things which are for his profit, edification, and instruction; good truths, good doctrines, good counsel and advice, good directions and instructions; promises of good things, things for his present comfort and future happiness; and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy [is] he;
not to his own wisdom; nor in his own strength; nor in his riches, nor righteousness; nor in the favour of men, no, not of princes; but in the Lord, and in his Word; he shall want no good thing, he is kept in perfect peace; he is in the utmost safety, is like Mount Zion, that can never be removed, ( Jeremiah 17:7 ) ( Isaiah 26:3 ) ( Psalms 84:11 Psalms 84:12 ) ( 125:1 ) .

Proverbs 16:20 In-Context

18 Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud.
20 The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.
21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning.
22 Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor, but folly is the instruction of fools.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Ps 34:8; 40:4; 84:12; 146:5
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