Proverbs 20:2

KJV

¶ The fear of a king [is] as the roaring of a lion: [whoso] provoketh him to anger sinneth [against] his own soul.

KJV (with Strong's)

The fear {H367} of a king {H4428} is as the roaring {H5099} of a lion {H3715}: whoso provoketh him to anger {H5674} sinneth {H2398} against his own soul {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The dread of a king is like when a lion roars; he who makes him angry commits a life-threatening sin.

Berean Standard Bible

The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.

American Standard Version

The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: He that provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 20:2 issues a stark warning, likening the awe-inspiring and terrifying presence of a king's anger to the formidable roar of a lion. It powerfully communicates that any individual who deliberately incites or disrespects a ruler's authority ultimately brings severe harm and destructive consequences upon themselves, highlighting the profound wisdom in exercising prudence and respect toward those in positions of power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 20 is part of the "Solomonic collection" (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), a compilation of pithy, two-line sayings designed to impart practical wisdom for daily living. This particular proverb, like many others in the book, uses vivid imagery and parallelism to convey its message. It stands alongside other proverbs that touch upon the nature of kingship, justice, and the consequences of human actions, such as the importance of a king's justice (e.g., [Proverbs 20:8](/proverbs/20-8 "Proverbs 20:8 - A King Who Sits on the Throne of Judgment") and [Proverbs 20:26](/proverbs/20-26 "Proverbs 20:26 - A Wise King Sifts the Wicked")), and the dangers of folly. The immediate context of Proverbs 20 often juxtaposes wise and foolish behaviors, with this verse serving as a direct admonition against a specific form of folly: provoking authority.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings were absolute monarchs, often viewed as divinely appointed or even divine themselves. Their power was virtually unchecked, and their word was law. Disobeying or provoking a king could lead to immediate, severe, and often fatal consequences, including torture, execution, or the destruction of one's family. The lion was a potent and widely recognized symbol of royal power, strength, and danger throughout the region, frequently depicted in royal art and literature. The "roaring of a lion" was not merely a sound but an announcement of imminent, overwhelming danger, signifying the lion's readiness to attack and devour. This cultural understanding amplified the proverb's warning, making the king's wrath a palpable, life-threatening reality. The proverb thus offered essential practical wisdom for survival and flourishing within such a political landscape.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores **The Gravity of Authority**, emphasizing the immense power and potential for destructive wrath held by those in leadership. Just as one instinctively fears a lion's roar, one should recognize and respect the formidable power of a king, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 16:14](/proverbs/16-14 "Proverbs 16:14 - King's Wrath as Messengers of Death"). Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Folly and Provocation**. To "provoke" a king is an act of profound foolishness, leading directly to self-inflicted harm. The phrase "sinneth against his own soul" powerfully conveys the self-destructive nature of such actions, aligning with the broader biblical principle that those who reject wisdom and act foolishly will ultimately suffer the fruit of their own way, as seen in [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom"). Lastly, it implicitly calls for **Wisdom and Prudence in Conduct**, advocating for discretion, humility, and careful interaction with those in power as a means of self-preservation and a demonstration of true wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fear (Hebrew, _ʼêymâh'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "fright," conveys a strong sense of dread, terror, or awe. It describes a visceral, overwhelming apprehension, not merely a respectful reverence. In the context of the king, it denotes the terrifying, life-threatening aspect of his power, demanding extreme caution and submission.
* **roaring (Hebrew, _naham'_):** This term specifically refers to the snarl or growl of a lion, a sound that immediately signals danger, aggression, and the imminent unleashing of the animal's destructive power. It is a sound designed to intimidate, warn, and precede attack, perfectly paralleling the king's expression of wrath.
* **sinneth (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to miss" a mark. Figuratively, it means to sin, to forfeit, to lack, or to go astray. In this context, to "sin against his own soul" means to miss the mark of self-preservation, to act in a way that leads to self-inflicted harm, destruction, or even death, effectively forfeiting one's well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion:"** This clause establishes a vivid simile, comparing the profound dread inspired by a king's potential wrath to the terrifying sound of a lion's roar. It sets the stage by emphasizing the king's immense power and the immediate, life-threatening danger associated with his anger. The "fear" is not merely respect, but a deep, instinctual terror, acknowledging the king's capacity for swift and devastating retribution, much like a predator.
* **"[whoso] provoketh him to anger sinneth [against] his own soul."** This second clause delivers the consequence of foolish action. To "provoke" means to incite, to stir up wrath, or to act disrespectfully and defiantly. The result of such provocation is that the individual "sinneth against his own soul," which means they bring harm, destruction, or even death upon themselves. It is a self-destructive act, implying that the negative repercussions are a direct outcome of one's own imprudent and rebellious behavior, rather than an unmerited punishment.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 20:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its warning. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly stated with "as the roaring of a lion," directly comparing the king's wrath to the terrifying sound of a predatory beast. This comparison effectively communicates the king's immense power, the suddenness of his anger, and the dire consequences for anyone who incurs it. The use of the lion as a symbol for royal authority and danger is a form of **Metaphor**, where the attributes of the animal are implicitly transferred to the king. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the description of the king's wrath, exaggerating its ferocity to underscore the extreme danger involved and to strongly deter any act of provocation. The phrase "sinneth against his own soul" also functions as **Idiom**, conveying the idea of self-destruction or self-inflicted harm, rather than a literal sin against one's spiritual essence in the modern sense.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 20:2, while seemingly a pragmatic piece of advice for navigating human authority, carries profound theological implications. It implicitly teaches about the nature of authority itself, suggesting that all power, even human kingship, ultimately reflects the sovereign power of God. To disrespect or provoke legitimate authority, therefore, can be seen as a transgression against the divine order. The verse also highlights the biblical principle of consequences: actions have repercussions, and foolishness, particularly in challenging established order, leads to self-destruction. This aligns with the broader wisdom tradition that links wisdom to life and folly to death. Ultimately, the fear of a king's wrath foreshadows the far greater and more righteous fear due to God, whose anger against sin is infinitely more fearsome and whose wisdom is the only true path to life.

* [Romans 13:1-2](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-2 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While absolute monarchs are rare in most contemporary societies, the principle embedded in Proverbs 20:2 remains powerfully relevant. We encounter various forms of authority daily: governmental leaders, employers, parents, teachers, and spiritual leaders. This proverb calls us to cultivate wisdom, discretion, and a respectful posture towards those in positions of power. Foolishly disrespecting, undermining, or actively provoking legitimate authority can indeed lead to severe and self-damaging consequences, whether in the form of legal penalties, loss of employment, strained relationships, or spiritual discipline. It encourages us to weigh our words and actions carefully, recognizing that our conduct has repercussions, and that prudence is a virtue that safeguards our well-being. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that the ultimate authority rests with God, whose righteous anger against sin is infinitely more fearsome than any earthly ruler's, and whose wisdom, obtained through reverent fear, is the true path to flourishing and life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to chafe against authority, and how might this proverb challenge your perspective?**
* **How does the "fear of a king" in this proverb relate to or differ from "the fear of the Lord" as described elsewhere in Proverbs?**
* **Can you recall a time when provoking authority (even subtly) led to negative consequences for you or someone you know? What was learned from that experience?**
* **How can we apply the wisdom of this proverb in modern democratic societies, where citizens have a right to critique leaders, without falling into the trap of self-destructive provocation?**

### FAQ
**Does this proverb mean we should always blindly obey authority, even if it's unjust?**

Answer: Not necessarily. Proverbs 20:2 is primarily a pragmatic warning about the self-destructive nature of foolishly provoking powerful individuals. It highlights the *consequences* of such actions, not necessarily the *morality* of the authority figure. While the Bible generally advocates submission to governing authorities (e.g., [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13 "Romans 13 - Submission to Governing Authorities")), it also presents instances where God's people resisted unjust commands (e.g., [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - We Must Obey God Rather Than Men")). The proverb encourages wisdom and prudence, recognizing the immense power of rulers. It teaches us to choose our battles wisely and to understand that provoking authority often leads to self-inflicted harm.

**What does it mean to "sinneth against his own soul"?**

Answer: The phrase "sinneth against his own soul" (Hebrew: _châṭâʼ nephesh_) means to bring harm, injury, or destruction upon oneself. The Hebrew word _nephesh_ (soul) is capacious, referring to one's life, being, person, or vitality. Therefore, to "sin against one's own soul" implies that the act of provoking a king is self-destructive; it directly results in negative consequences for the individual's well-being, safety, or very life. It's not primarily about a spiritual offense against God in this context, but about an act of folly that leads to self-inflicted suffering or ruin, much like someone who harms their own body or reputation through foolish choices.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 20:2, with its stark warning about provoking earthly authority, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb cautions against incurring the wrath of a human king, it implicitly points to the infinitely greater danger of provoking the wrath of the King of Kings, God Himself. Humanity, in its sin, has continually provoked divine authority, "missing the mark" and bringing spiritual death upon its own soul (cf. [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Yet, Christ, the true and righteous King (cf. [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")), did not provoke God's wrath but perfectly submitted to His Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). He became the ultimate "provocation" to the powers of darkness, yet in doing so, absorbed the righteous wrath of God against humanity's sin, taking the self-destructive consequences upon Himself (cf. [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions")). Through His sacrifice, those who trust in Him are no longer destined to "sin against their own soul" by facing God's just judgment for their rebellion, but are instead reconciled to God and receive eternal life. Thus, the proverb's warning about self-destruction due to provocation is overcome by Christ's perfect obedience and atoning work, which offers life to all who submit to His gentle and righteous reign (cf. [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 19:12

¶ The king's wrath [is] as the roaring of a lion; but his favour [is] as dew upon the grass.

Ecclesiastes 10:4

¶ If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

Proverbs 8:36

But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

1 Kings 2:23

Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.

Proverbs 16:14

¶ The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

Proverbs 16:15

In the light of the king's countenance [is] life; and his favour [is] as a cloud of the latter rain.

Hosea 11:10

They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.