Proverbs 20:2

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

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Proverbs 20:2 In-Context

1 Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.

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

3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.

4 Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.

5 Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out.