Proverbs 20:8

8 When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.

Proverbs 20:8 in Other Translations

KJV
8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
ESV
8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes.
NLT
8 When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good.
MSG
8 Leaders who know their business and care keep a sharp eye out for the shoddy and cheap,
CSB
8 A king sitting on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes.

Proverbs 20:8 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 20:8

A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment
That executes judgment himself, as David and Solomon did; who ascends the throne, and sits personally there, and hears and tries causes himself, and not by his servants: scattereth away all evil with his eyes;
all evil men, as the Targum; everyone that is evil, as Aben Ezra: he will easily and quickly discern who is evil, or who is in a bad cause before him, and will pass sentence on him, and drive him away from him with shame and disgrace, and to receive deserved punishment; or he will terrify persons from coming before him with false witness against their neighbour, or with a wrong cause. This may be applied to Christ, the King of kings, and Judge of all; whose eyes are as a flame of fire; who will clearly see into all hearts and actions, when he shall sit on his throne of judgment; and shall pass the righteous and definitive sentence, and shall drive the wicked into hell, into everlasting punishment.

Proverbs 20:8 In-Context

6 Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?
7 The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
8 When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?
10 Differing weights and differing measures— the LORD detests them both.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S 1 Kings 7:7
  • 2. ver 26; Proverbs 25:4-5
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