Proverbs 20:2

2 As the roaring of a lion, so also is the dread of a king: he that provoketh him, sinneth against his own soul.

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 ) .

---

FOOTNOTES:

F1 (wvpn ajwx) .

Proverbs 20:2 In-Context

1 Wine is a luxurious thing, and drunkenness riotous: whosoever is delighted therewith, shall not be wise.

2 As the roaring of a lion, so also is the dread of a king: he that provoketh him, sinneth against his own soul.

3 It is an honour for a man to separate himself from quarrels: but all fools are meddling with reproaches.

4 Because of the cold the sluggard would not plough: he shall beg therefore in the summer, and it shall not be given him.

5 Counsel in the heart of a man is like deep water: but a wise man will draw it out.