Proverbs 20:2

2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.

Proverbs 20:2 in Other Translations

2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.

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

2 The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar; to rouse his anger is to risk your life.

2 Quick-tempered leaders are like mad dogs - cross them and they bite your head off.

2 The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: He that provoketh him to anger sinneth [against] his own life.

2 The rage of a king is like the roar of a lion. Whoever makes him angry forfeits his life.

2 A king's terrible wrath is like the roaring of a lion; anyone who provokes him endangers himself.

2 A king's anger is like a lion's roar. Anyone who makes him angry may lose his 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 and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.

3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

4 Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.

5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

Cross References

• 1. S Proverbs 19:12
• 2. S Esther 7:7; S Proverbs 16:14; Proverbs 8:36