Proverbs 20:2

2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger ¹forfeits his own 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, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.

3 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.

4 The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.

5 A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out.

Cross References

• 1. Numbers 16:38; 1 Kings 2:23; Proverbs 8:36; Habakkuk 2:10

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "sins against"