Proverbs 20:2

2 The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger sins against 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 is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

2 The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.

3 It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel.

4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing.

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

Footnotes

• [a] Literally fear or terror which is produced by the king's wrath