TRV
- English
- King James KJV
- Complete Jewish CJB
- World English WEBM
- Berean Standard BSB
- American Standard ASV
- Geneva GNV
- Young's Literal YLT
- Douay-Rheims DRC
- International
- Shqip ALB
- العربية SVD
- বাংলা BN-IRV
- မြန်မာ Judson
- 简体文 CUV-S
- 繁體中文 CUV-T
- Čeština BKR
- Nederlands STVE
- Français LSG
- Deutsch SCH
- Ελληνικά Vamvas
- ગુજરાતી GU-IRV
- Hausa HCB
- עברית Hebrew
- हिन्दी HCV
- Magyar KAROLI
- Bahasa Indonesia INDO-TB
- Italiano Diodati
- 日本語 Kougo
- 한국어 Korean
- മലയാളം MAL
- मराठी MRCV
- Norsk DNB
- فارسی OPV
- Polski BG
- Português Almeida
- Română Cornilescu
- Русский Synodal
- Español RVG
- Kiswahili Neno
- Svenska SV1917
- Tagalog TAG-ADB
- தமிழ் TCV
- తెలుగు TSA
- ภาษาไทย THAI-KJV
- Українська Ohienko
- Tiếng Việt CADMAN
- Yorùbá YCB
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 20:22.
Those that live in this world must expect to have injuries done them, affronts given them, and trouble wrongfully created them, for we dwell among briers. Now here we are told what to do when we have wrong done us. 1. We must not avenge ourselves, no, nor so much as think of revenge, or design it: "Say not thou, no, not in thy heart, I will recompense evil for evil. Do not please thyself with the thought that some time or other thou shalt have an opportunity of being quits with him. Do not wish revenge, or hope for it, much less resolve upon it, no, not when the injury is fresh and the resentment of it most deep. Never say that thou wilt do a think which thou canst not in faith pray to God to assist thee in, and that thou canst not do in mediating revenge." 2. We must refer ourselves to God, and leave it to him to plead our cause, to maintain our right, and reckon with those that do us wrong in such a way and manner as he thinks fit and in his own due time: "Wait on the Lord, and attend his pleasure, acquiesce in his will, and he does not say that he will punish him that has injured thee (instead of desiring that thou must forgive him and pray for him), but he will save thee, and that is enough. He will protect thee, so that thy passing by one injury shall not (as is commonly feared) expose thee to another; nay, he will recompense good to thee, to balance thy trouble and encourage thy patience," as David hoped, when Shimei cursed him, Sa2 16:12.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
A brother who was hurt by another brother went to the Theban Sisois and said, ‘I want to get back at a brother who has hurt me.’ The hermit begged him, ‘Don’t do that, my son, leave vengeance in the hands of God.’ But he said, ‘I can’t rest till I get my own back.’ The hermit said, ‘My brother, let us pray.’ He stood and said, ‘O God, we have no further need of you, for we can take vengeance by ourselves.’ The brother heard it and fell at the hermit’s feet, saying, ‘I won’t quarrel with my brother any longer; I beg you to forgive me.’
Continue studying Proverbs 20:22 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Proverbs 20:22 presents a profound and counter-intuitive directive, challenging the innate human impulse for immediate retaliation against wrongdoing. It powerfully instructs believers to resist the desire for personal vengeance, instead cultivating a patient and active trust in the sovereign Lord, who alone possesses the ultimate authority and power to administer perfect justice and bring about deliverance for His people. This proverb serves as a foundational principle for navigating injustice with faith, demonstrating that true vindication and security stem from divine intervention rather than self-administered retribution.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 20:22 is situated within a broader collection of individual wisdom sayings in the book of Proverbs, a compilation of divinely inspired aphorisms designed to impart practical wisdom for righteous living and discernment. While not part of a continuous narrative, this verse functions as a standalone yet powerful maxim addressing the universal human experience of being wronged. It immediately follows a warning against the fleeting nature of ill-gotten gains in Proverbs 20:21 and precedes a caution against dishonest weights and the Lord's sovereign direction of human steps in Proverbs 20:23-24. This placement highlights a pervasive theme throughout Proverbs: the stark contrast between human folly, often expressed through impulsive or self-serving actions, and divine wisdom, which calls for a life ordered by God's principles. The book consistently guides its audience away from self-reliance and towards a deep dependence on God, emphasizing that true security, prosperity, and justice are found in obedience and unwavering trust in the Lord.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, as in many pre-modern societies, personal grievances and acts of malice were common, and formal legal recourse for every offense was not always readily available or efficient. Consequently, the temptation to "recompense evil"—to take justice into one's own hands—was a powerful and often socially accepted norm, frequently leading to escalating cycles of vendetta and inter-family conflict. While the Mosaic Law provided for restitution and justice, its principle of lex talionis ("an eye for an eye") was primarily a legal guideline for courts to ensure proportionate punishment, not an invitation for individuals to exact personal revenge. Proverbs, drawing from this broader covenantal framework, consistently points to a higher wisdom rooted in God's character and sovereignty. It steers individuals away from self-administered justice, which often perpetuates cycles of conflict and bitterness, and towards reliance on divine intervention, reinforcing the profound theological principle that ultimate justice and vengeance belong exclusively to God, as articulated in passages like Deuteronomy 32:35.
Key Themes
This proverb significantly contributes to several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the Rejection of Personal Vengeance, directly prohibiting the instinctive desire for payback and advocating for a spirit of restraint, non-retaliation, and forgiveness. This aligns with broader biblical teachings that consistently reserve the right to vengeance for God alone, as powerfully reiterated in the New Testament in Romans 12:19. Secondly, the proverb champions Patience and Trust in God. The command to "wait on the LORD" is not a call to passive inaction but to an active, hopeful, and enduring expectation, implying a deep reliance on God's perfect timing and His sovereign plan for addressing wrongs. This theme resonates deeply with the psalmist's frequent exhortations to wait expectantly on the Lord, as seen in Psalm 27:14. Finally, the verse highlights Divine Justice and Deliverance, promising that God Himself will intervene, deliver, or vindicate those who trust in Him rather than seeking their own revenge. This "saving" encompasses various forms of divine intervention, underscoring the belief that God is the ultimate judge and protector, capable of administering justice in ways far beyond human comprehension or capability.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate (in various applications)." In the context of "recompense evil," it specifically refers to the act of "paying back" or "making whole" by returning harm for harm, thereby completing a cycle of injury or retribution. The negative command "Say not thou, I will recompense evil" is a direct prohibition against engaging in this kind of reciprocal harm or seeking personal retribution.
This primitive root means "to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e. collect; (figuratively) to expect." It implies a strong, confident, and enduring expectation, a deep reliance, and a hopeful longing for God's intervention. It is not a passive idleness or resignation but an active, patient, and trusting posture, often visualized as a rope twisted together for strength, signifying a steadfast and unwavering reliance on God.
This primitive root means "properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor." It signifies God's active intervention to bring about a favorable outcome, deliverance from distress, victory over adversaries, or vindication. It speaks to God's role as the ultimate deliverer, protector, and rescuer, who acts decisively to secure the well-being and justice of His people.
Verse Breakdown
"Say not thou, I will recompense evil;"
This opening clause is a direct, emphatic prohibition against personal vengeance. The imperative "Say not" (a negative command) targets not only the outward act but also the internal inclination and verbal declaration of intent to retaliate. It challenges the instinctive human desire to "get even" when wronged, asserting that such an impulse is contrary to divine wisdom and a usurpation of God's prerogative. The phrase "recompense evil" refers to the act of returning harm for harm, engaging in a tit-for-tat cycle of retribution.
"but wait on the LORD,"
This clause presents the divinely prescribed alternative to personal vengeance, introduced by the strong adversative conjunction "but." "Wait on the LORD" is an active command to place one's trust, hope, and expectation entirely in God. It implies a posture of patient endurance, humble submission, and confident expectation that God, in His perfect timing and wisdom, will act. This waiting is not passive resignation but a dynamic posture of faith, entrusting one's grievances and the pursuit of justice to the sovereign Creator.
"and he shall save thee."
This final clause provides the motivation and assurance for obeying the preceding command. It is a divine promise that God Himself will intervene on behalf of those who trust Him. The "saving" can encompass various forms of deliverance: protection from adversaries, vindication of one's character, resolution of injustice, or ultimate spiritual salvation. It underscores the truth that God is the ultimate judge and deliverer, who will ensure justice is served in His way and time, far more perfectly and righteously than any human attempt at revenge.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 20:22 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and counter-cultural message. The most prominent is Antithesis, which presents a sharp and direct contrast between two opposing actions: "Say not thou, I will recompense evil" versus "but wait on the LORD." This stark juxtaposition powerfully highlights the folly and spiritual danger of human vengeance against the wisdom and spiritual security found in divine trust. The verse also utilizes the Imperative Mood ("Say not," "wait"), directly commanding the reader's behavior and emphasizing the non-negotiable, authoritative nature of the instruction. This direct address makes the proverb highly personal and actionable, demanding a conscious choice from the hearer. Furthermore, the proverb concludes with a clear Promise ("and he shall save thee"), providing a powerful incentive for obedience. This assurance of divine intervention and deliverance serves as both a profound comfort and a strong motivation, assuring the faithful that their patience and trust will be ultimately rewarded by God's righteous hand, far beyond what human retaliation could achieve.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 20:22 is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's absolute sovereignty, His perfect justice, and His exclusive right to vengeance. It teaches that personal retribution is not merely unwise but a profound usurpation of a prerogative that belongs solely to the Lord, who is perfectly righteous, omniscient, and omnipotent. By commanding believers to "wait on the LORD," the proverb calls for a radical act of faith, acknowledging that God sees all injustice, understands all circumstances, and will act in His perfect time and manner. This relinquishing of personal grievances to God not only honors His supreme authority but also frees the individual from the corrosive effects of bitterness, resentment, and the perpetuation of cycles of harm. It reflects a core theological truth: God is the ultimate arbiter of justice, and His deliverance is sure for those who trust Him, providing a peace that human vengeance can never achieve.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 20:22 offers timeless and profoundly counter-cultural wisdom for navigating the inevitable injustices and wrongs we face in life. In a world often driven by instant gratification, the pursuit of personal rights, and the desire to "get even," this verse calls for a radical, faith-filled response. It challenges us to confront our natural impulses for revenge, bitterness, and self-vindication, and instead choose a path of profound trust and patient reliance on God. Practically, this means consciously releasing the grip of resentment and anger that can fester when we are wronged, understanding that holding onto such emotions often harms us more deeply than our perceived adversaries. It encourages us to cultivate a deep-seated patience, trusting that God's timing and methods of justice are infinitely superior, more righteous, and more effective than our own. By surrendering our grievances to God, we not only avoid perpetuating cycles of conflict and harm but also strengthen our faith in His ultimate sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to righteousness and our well-being. This posture of waiting on the Lord fosters inner peace, promotes reconciliation where possible, and allows God to work in ways we could never orchestrate, ultimately bringing about His perfect justice and our true deliverance.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is personal vengeance forbidden in the Bible?
Personal vengeance is consistently forbidden in the Bible because it usurps God's exclusive right to justice and judgment. The Scriptures clearly teach that vengeance belongs to the Lord alone, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:35 and echoed in Romans 12:19. When humans attempt to "recompense evil," they often act out of anger, bias, an incomplete understanding of the situation, or a desire for disproportionate retribution, leading to outcomes that are unjust, perpetuate cycles of harm, and fail to bring true resolution. Furthermore, seeking personal revenge demonstrates a profound lack of trust in God's sovereignty, His perfect justice, and His ability to administer righteousness in His own time and way. It also directly contradicts the spirit of love, mercy, and forgiveness that is central to biblical ethics, exemplified by Jesus' commands to love enemies and pray for persecutors (Matthew 5:44).
What does it mean to "wait on the LORD" in a practical sense when facing injustice?
"Waiting on the LORD" is far from passive inaction or simply doing nothing. It is an active, faith-filled posture of patient endurance, confident expectation, and intentional trust in God's character and promises. Practically, it means:
This "waiting" is about aligning your will with God's, allowing Him to be your ultimate defender, vindicator, and source of peace, as encouraged in Psalm 37:7.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 20:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament proverb commands us not to repay evil, Christ perfectly embodied this principle, offering Himself as the supreme example of one who "when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23). He did not seek personal vengeance against those who persecuted, mocked, and ultimately crucified Him; instead, from the cross, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Furthermore, Jesus' teachings radically elevated this Old Testament wisdom, commanding His followers to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44), thereby breaking the cycle of vengeance with divine love and grace. The promise that "he shall save thee" is gloriously fulfilled in Christ. God's ultimate "saving" act was sending His Son to bear the evil and sin of the world on the cross, demonstrating that true justice and deliverance come through sacrificial love and substitutionary atonement, not human retaliation (Romans 5:8). Through Christ's atoning work, God not only saves us from the consequences of evil and sin but also empowers us by His Spirit to live out the very principle of non-retaliation, trusting that our ultimate vindication and salvation are secured in Him, and that God Himself will execute perfect justice in His time (Romans 12:19). Thus, Christ is both the perfect embodiment of waiting on the Lord and the ultimate means by which the Lord saves His people.