Mishle 20:2

2 The wrath of a melech is as the roaring of a lion; he who provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own nefesh.

Mishle 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) .

Mishle 20:2 In-Context

1 0 The yayin is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; and whosoever is seduced to be led astray thereby is not wise.

2 The wrath of a melech is as the roaring of a lion; he who provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own nefesh.

3 It is kavod for an ish to cease from strife, but any fool can start a quarrel.

4 The atzel (sluggard, lazy one) will not plow by reason of choref (winter, cold); therefore shall he beg at katzir (harvest), and have nothing.

5 Etzah (purpose; see Yn 2:24-25 ) in the lev ish is like deep mayim, but an ish tevunah will draw it out.