Proverbs 20:20

20 If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

Proverbs 20:20 in Other Translations

KJV
20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
ESV
20 If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.
NLT
20 If you insult your father or mother, your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.
MSG
20 Anyone who curses father and mother extinguishes light and exists benighted. The Very Steps We Take
CSB
20 Whoever curses his father or mother- his lamp will go out in deep darkness.

Proverbs 20:20 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 20:20

Whoso curseth his father or his mother
This is dreadful indeed! a person must be got to a great pitch of wickedness to do this; to curse his parents, one or other of them, that have been the instruments of his being, and by whom he has been brought up and put out into the world; to slight them, despise them, and mock at them, is highly base and criminal, but to curse them is shocking! what can such expect but the curse of God upon them? his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness;
he shall be deprived of his natural sight; see ( Proverbs 30:17 ) ; or the very light of nature shall be extinct in him; and indeed such an one acts as if not guided by it, nor under its influence; or whatsoever favour from the Lord he has enjoyed, it shall be taken from him; his lamp or candle of outward felicity shall be quenched, and burn no longer; see ( Job 18:5 ) ( 22:17 ) ; or his soul, the candle of the Lord, in him, ( Proverbs 20:27 ) ; shall be removed; or he "shall die", not only a corporeal but an eternal death; see ( Exodus 21:17 ) ; "blackness of darkness" F8 as the words may be rendered, are reserved for him in the world to come, and which will be his portion, ( Jude 1:13 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F8 (Kvx Nwvyab) "in obscuritate tenebrarum", Pagninus, Mercerus; "in nigredine tenebrarum", Michaelis.

Proverbs 20:20 In-Context

18 Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
20 If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
21 An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.
22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Proverbs 30:11
  • 2. Exodus 21:17; S Job 18:5
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