Proverbs20

Proverbs 20 offers diverse wisdom, warning against the folly of strong drink, laziness, and dishonesty in commerce. It emphasizes the value of integrity, counsel, and the discerning judgment of kings. The chapter also highlights the rarity of true faithfulness and the divine origin of human understanding and senses. It concludes with insights into the nature of discipline and the preservation of royalty through mercy and truth.
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Warnings Against Vice and Strife

1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; And whosoever erreth thereby is not wise. ​
2
The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: He that provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own life. ​
3
It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be quarrelling.
4
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
5
Counsel in the heart of man islikedeep water; But a man of understanding will draw it out. ​
6
Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness; But a faithful man who can find? ​

Integrity, Justice, and Kingship

7
A righteous man that walketh in his integrity, Blessed are his children after him.
8
A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment Scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

Divine Observation and Human Sin

9
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? ​
10
Diverse weights, and diverse measures, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah. ​
11
Even a child maketh himself known by his doings, Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
12
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Jehovah hath made even both of them. ​

Diligence and Honesty in Commerce

13
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; Open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
14
It is bad, it is bad, saith the buyer; But when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
15
There is gold, and abundance of rubies; But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
16
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge that is surety for foreigners. ​
17
Bread of falsehood is sweet to a man; But afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. ​
18
Every purpose is established by counsel; And by wise guidance make thou war.
19
He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; Therefore company not with him that openeth wide his lips.

Family Duty and Divine Sovereignty

20
Whoso curseth his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness. ​
21
An inheritancemay be gotten hastily at the beginning; But the end thereof shall not be blessed.
22
Say not thou, I will recompense evil: Wait for Jehovah, and he will save thee. ​
23
Diverse weights are an abomination to Jehovah; And a false balance is not good.
24
A man’s goings are of Jehovah; How then can man understand his way? ​
25
It is a snare to a man rashly to say, It is holy, And after vows to make inquiry. ​

The King, God's Control, and Discipline

26
A wise king winnoweth the wicked, And bringeth the threshing-wheel over them.
27
The spirit of man is the lamp of Jehovah, Searching all his innermost parts. ​
28
Kindness and truth preserve the king; And his throne is upholden by kindness.
29
The glory of young men is their strength; And the beauty of old men is the hoary head.
30
Stripes that wound cleanse away evil; And strokesreachthe innermost parts. ​

Study Notes for Proverbs 20

Verse 1

This verse warns against intoxication, characterizing wine and strong drink as sources of chaos and folly. The primary lesson is that those who allow themselves to be controlled by drink forfeit wisdom and self-control.

Verse 2

This proverb serves as political wisdom, emphasizing the danger of defying established authority. The king’s wrath is likened to a roaring lion, signifying inescapable and fatal danger for the provocateur.

Verse 5

Counsel (or purpose) is often hidden deep within the heart, requiring patience and skill to extract. A wise leader or friend (a 'man of understanding') knows how to ask the right questions to draw out true wisdom.

Verse 6

While many boast of their own loyalty and kindness, genuine faithfulness is rare and difficult to discern. The proverb contrasts self-proclaimed virtue with proven, reliable integrity.

Verse 9

This rhetorical question highlights the universal nature of human sinfulness (cf. 1 Kings 8:46). No human can claim perfect moral purity, underscoring the need for divine grace and forgiveness.

Verse 10

God strictly forbids using two sets of weights and measures—one favorable for buying, another favorable for selling. This practice of commercial fraud is considered an abomination because it violates covenant justice and exploits the poor.

Verse 12

This verse emphasizes God’s role as the Creator of physical perception and sensory organs. Since the Lord provides the means to observe and hear, He is the ultimate witness to all human actions and intentions.

Verse 16

This is a strong warning against acting as surety (co-signing a loan) for a stranger, advising one to demand collateral in such risky transactions. The second half may be a parallel warning against the danger of involvement with a promiscuous woman.

Verse 17

Deceitful gain, though initially appealing, ultimately leads to bitter and destructive consequences. The metaphor of 'gravel' suggests painful realization and lasting harm resulting from ill-gotten wealth.

Verse 20

Cursing one's parents was a serious offense under Mosaic Law, punishable by death (Exodus 21:17). 'His lamp shall be put out' signifies premature death or the annihilation of his family line and hope.

Verse 22

This proverb teaches the crucial lesson of non-retaliation and trust in divine justice. Believers are called to relinquish personal vengeance and wait for God to act as their vindicator.

Verse 24

This verse asserts the absolute sovereignty of God over human destiny and plans (cf. Jeremiah 10:23). Humans may plot their course, but the ultimate outcome and direction of their lives are determined by the Lord.

Verse 25

This describes the danger of hastily dedicating property or possessions to God (making a vow) and then later trying to reclaim it or analyze the commitment. Rash vows regarding 'that which is holy' are a spiritual snare.

Verse 27

The 'spirit of man' (Hebrew: *neshamah*) refers to the conscience or inner awareness given by God. It acts like a divine lamp, illuminating and searching the deepest intentions and motivations of the heart.

Verse 30

This challenging proverb affirms the purifying role of pain and discipline. Just as a wound must be deeply probed to remove infection, severe correction (stripes) is necessary to cleanse the inward parts of moral corruption.

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