Proverbs 20:2

2 The fear of the king is as the roaring of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own soul.

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 makes a mocker, and beer a reveler, and whoever errs concerning them shall never be wise.

2 The fear of the king is as the roaring of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own soul.

3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife, but every fool will be meddling.

4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore he shall beg in harvest and have nothing.

5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of intelligence will draw it out.