Proverbs 20

1 Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler, and whoever staggers because of them is not wise.
2 A king's terrible wrath is like the roaring of a lion; anyone who provokes him endangers himself.[a]
3 It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool can get himself into a quarrel.[b]
4 The slacker does not plow during planting season;[c] at harvest time he looks,[d] and there is nothing.[e]
5 Counsel in a man's heart is deep water;[f] but a man of understanding draws it up.
6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man?[g]
7 The one who lives with integrity is righteous;[h] his children[i] who come after him will be happy.
8 A king sitting on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes.[j]
9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin"?[k]
10 Differing weights and varying measures[l]- both are detestable to the Lord.[m]
11 Even a young man is known by his actions- by whether his behavior is pure and upright.[n]
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye- the Lord made them both.[o]
13 Don't love sleep, or you will become poor; open your eyes, and you'll have enough to eat.[p]
14 "It's worthless, it's worthless!" the buyer says, but after he is on his way, he gloats.
15 There is gold and a multitude of jewels, but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure.[q]
16 Take his garment,[r] for he has put up security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for foreigners.[s]
17 Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is full of gravel.
18 Finalize plans through counsel, and wage war with sound guidance.[t]
19 The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth.[u]
20 Whoever curses his father or mother- his lamp will go out in deep darkness.[v]
21 An inheritance gained prematurely will not be blessed ultimately.[w]
22 Don't say, "I will avenge this evil!" Wait on the Lord, and He will rescue you.[x]
23 Differing weights[y] are detestable to the Lord, and dishonest scales are unfair.[z]
24 A man's steps are determined by the Lord,[aa] so how can anyone understand his own way?
25 It is a trap for anyone to dedicate something rashly and later to reconsider his vows.[ab]
26 A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 A person's breath is the lamp of the Lord, searching the innermost parts.[ac] [ad]
28 Loyalty and faithfulness deliver a king; through loyalty he maintains his throne.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair.[ae]
30 Lashes and wounds purge away evil, and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.[af]

Proverbs 20 Commentary

Chapter 20

Verse 1 It seems hard to believe that men of the greatest abilities, as well as the ignorant, should render themselves fools and madmen, merely for the taste or excitement produced by strong liquors. Verse 2 . How formidable kings are to those who provoke them! how much more foolish then is it to provoke the King of kings! Verse 3 . To engage in quarrels is the greatest folly that can be. Yield, and even give up just demands, for peace' sake. Verse 4 . He who labours and endures hardship in his seed-time for eternity, will be properly diligent as to his earthly business. Verse 5 . Though many capable of giving wise counsel are silent, yet something may be drawn from them, which will reward those who obtain it. Verse 6 . It is hard to find those that have done, and will do more good than they speak, or care to hear spoken of. Verse 7 . A good man is not liable to uneasiness in contriving what he shall do, or in reflecting on what he has done, as those who walk in deceit. And his family fare better for his sake. Verse 8 . If great men are good men, they may do much good, and prevent very much evil. Verse 9 . Some can say, Through grace, we are cleaner than we have been; but it was the work of the Holy Spirit. Verse 10 . See the various deceits men use, of which the love of money is the root. The Lord will not bless what is thus gotten. Verse 11 . Parents should observe their children, that they may manage them accordingly. Verse 12 . All our powers and faculties are from God, and are to be employed for him. Verse 13 . Those that indulge themselves, may expect to want necessaries, which should have been gotten by honest labour. Verse 14 . Men use arts to get a good bargain, and to buy cheap; whereas a man ought to be ashamed of a fraud and a lie. Verse 15 . He that prefers true knowledge to riches, follows the ways of religion and happiness. If we really believed this truth, the word of God would be valued as it deserves, and the world would lose its tempting influence. Verse 16 . Those ruin themselves who entangle themselves in rash suretiship. Also those who are in league with abandoned women. Place no confidence in either. Verse 17 . Wealth gotten by fraud may be sweet, for the carnal mind takes pleasure in the success of wicked devices; but it will be bitter in the reflection. Verse 18 . Especially we need advice in spiritual warfare. The word and Spirit of God are the best counsellors in every point. Verse 19 . Those dearly buy their own praise, who put confidence in a man because he speaks fairly. Verse 20 . An undutiful child will become very miserable. Never let him expect any peace or comfort. Verse 21 . An estate suddenly raised, is often as suddenly ruined. Verse 22 . Wait on the Lord, attend his pleasure, and he will protect thee. Verse 23 . A bargain made by fraud will prove a losing bargain in the end. Verse 24 . How can we form plans, and conduct business, independently of the Lord? Verse 25 . The evasions men often use with their own consciences show how false and deceitful man is. Verse 26 . Justice should crush the wicked, and separate them from the virtuous. Verse 27 . The rational soul and conscience are as a lamp within us, which should be used in examining our dispositions and motives with the revealed will of God. Verse 28 . Mercy and truth are the glories of God's throne. Verse 29 . Both young and old have their advantages; and let neither despise or envy the other. Verse 30 . Severe rebukes sometimes do a great deal of good. But such is the corruption of nature, that men are loth to be rebuked for their sins. If God uses severe afflictions, to purify our hearts and fit us for his service, we have cause to be very thankful.

Footnotes 32

Proverbs 20 Commentaries

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