Proverbs 20:26

KJV

¶ A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

KJV (with Strong's)

A wise {H2450} king {H4428} scattereth {H2219} the wicked {H7563}, and bringeth {H7725} the wheel {H212} over them.

Complete Jewish Bible

A wise king winnows the wicked [from the righteous] and threshes them under the cartwheel.

Berean Standard Bible

A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them.

American Standard Version

A wise king winnoweth the wicked, And bringeth the threshing-wheel over them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
A wise king, guided by divine discernment, actively confronts and decisively removes those who practice wickedness from his realm. This proverb underscores the essential duty of a righteous ruler to maintain justice and order, not merely by passive oversight, but through vigorous and thorough action that purifies the community, ensuring stability and the well-being of the populace by eliminating harmful influences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 20:26 is situated within a broader collection of wise sayings in the book of Proverbs, particularly within chapters 10-29, which are often referred to as the "Solomonic Collection." This section frequently addresses themes of justice, righteousness, the nature of wisdom, and the consequences of folly, often contrasting the path of the righteous with that of the wicked. Immediately preceding this verse, [Proverbs 20:25](/proverbs/20-25 "Proverbs 20:25 - Rash Vows") warns against rash vows, while [Proverbs 20:27](/proverbs/20-27 "Proverbs 20:27 - The Lamp of the Lord") speaks of the human spirit as a lamp of the Lord, searching the inner parts. The verse thus fits into a discourse that explores both practical wisdom for daily living and the moral responsibilities of those in authority, emphasizing the king's role as a divine agent of order and judgment within his kingdom, a theme echoed in passages like [Proverbs 16:12](/proverbs/16-12 "Proverbs 16:12 - Righteousness Establishes a Throne") and [Proverbs 29:4](/proverbs/29-4 "Proverbs 29:4 - A King Upholding Justice").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, the king was not merely a political leader but often held a sacral role, considered the embodiment of justice and order (*mishpat* and *tzedakah* in Israel). His primary duty was to maintain cosmic and social harmony by upholding law, protecting the weak, and punishing evildoers. The imagery of "scattering" and "bringing the wheel over them" draws directly from agricultural practices common in ancient Israel. "Scattering" (or winnowing) refers to the process of separating grain from chaff by tossing it into the air so the wind blows the lighter chaff away, leaving the valuable grain. "Bringing the wheel over them" alludes to threshing, where heavy, often spiked rollers or sledges were pulled over harvested grain to separate the kernels from the stalks, crushing the unwanted material. These vivid agricultural metaphors would have been immediately understood by the original audience, conveying a thorough, decisive, and destructive judgment against the wicked, akin to the complete removal of waste from a harvest.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **righteous governance**, asserting that a truly wise king actively engages in the administration of justice, ensuring the well-being of his people by dealing decisively with those who threaten societal order. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding of leadership as a stewardship from God, requiring moral integrity and active intervention against evil, as seen in [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - Righteous Rule and Joy"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **consequences of wickedness**, portraying a severe and complete judgment against those who persist in evil. The imagery of scattering and crushing signifies a thorough eradication of their influence and presence. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **divine wisdom in action**, demonstrating that true wisdom is not merely theoretical knowledge but practical discernment applied to the difficult task of governing and maintaining purity within the community. This proactive wisdom is a hallmark of the ideal ruler described throughout the wisdom literature, reflecting God's own character as the ultimate judge who will [judge the world in righteousness](/psalms/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - God Judges the World").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** This term (H2450) signifies more than mere intelligence; it denotes practical skill, discernment, and moral insight. A "wise king" is one who possesses the ability to make sound judgments, understand the true nature of situations, and apply divine principles effectively for the welfare of his kingdom. It implies a ruler who governs with prudence and godly understanding.
* **Scattereth (Hebrew, _zârâh'_):** This verb (H2219) means "to toss about," "to diffuse," or "to winnow." In an agricultural context, it describes the process of separating grain from chaff by tossing it into the air, allowing the wind to carry away the lighter, worthless material. Applied to the wicked, it conveys a discerning and thorough removal, sifting out undesirable elements from the community, leaving only what is pure and valuable.
* **Wheel (Hebrew, _ʼôwphân'_):** This noun (H212) refers to a "wheel," often used in the context of a threshing wheel or sledge. Such an implement, heavy and sometimes spiked, was dragged over harvested crops to crush the stalks and separate the grain. Its use here signifies a decisive, crushing, and utterly destructive judgment, rendering the wicked powerless and incapable of further harm, much like the complete pulverization of chaff.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A wise king scattereth the wicked":** This clause establishes the active role of a discerning ruler. The "wise king" (one who governs with divine insight and practical skill) does not tolerate evil but actively identifies and removes those who are "wicked" (morally wrong, actively bad persons). The verb "scattereth" employs the imagery of winnowing, suggesting a deliberate, discerning process of sifting out and dispersing the harmful elements from society, much like separating valuable grain from worthless chaff. This implies a purification of the realm, ensuring that the influence of the wicked is diminished or entirely removed.
* **"and bringeth the wheel over them":** This second clause intensifies the imagery of judgment. The phrase "bringeth the wheel over them" (using the verb H7725, _shûwb_, "to turn back" or "bring over," in conjunction with H212, _ʼôwphân_, "wheel") evokes the use of a heavy threshing wheel or sledge. This agricultural tool was used to crush and pulverize harvested crops, separating the grain from the straw and husks. Applied to the wicked, it symbolizes a complete, crushing, and irreversible defeat. It signifies a decisive act of judgment that utterly subdues and incapacitates the wicked, leaving them powerless and unable to recover or continue their harmful ways. Together, the two clauses present a comprehensive and forceful picture of a king's responsibility to administer justice and purify his kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 20:26 powerfully employs **Agricultural Imagery** and **Metaphor** to convey its message. The actions of the wise king are described using terms directly related to ancient farming practices: "scattereth" (Hebrew _zârâh_) evokes the process of **winnowing**, where grain is tossed into the air to separate the valuable kernels from the light, useless chaff. This metaphor illustrates the king's discerning judgment, sifting out the morally corrupt elements from society. The second phrase, "bringeth the wheel over them," utilizes the metaphor of **threshing**, where a heavy, often spiked wheel or sledge is dragged over harvested crops to crush the stalks and release the grain. This vivid imagery signifies a decisive, crushing, and utterly destructive judgment, rendering the wicked powerless and incapable of further harm. The use of these familiar agricultural processes makes the abstract concept of justice tangible and impactful, emphasizing the thoroughness and finality of the king's actions in purifying his realm. Furthermore, there is an element of **Parallelism** in the verse, where the two clauses describe similar outcomes (the removal and defeat of the wicked) through distinct but complementary actions, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the wise king's justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 20:26 articulates a profound theological truth about the nature of justice and the role of authority, both human and divine. It underscores the principle that order and righteousness must be actively maintained through the decisive confrontation of wickedness. This proverb reflects God's own character as a righteous judge who does not tolerate evil indefinitely but will ultimately bring about a thorough and complete judgment. While human kings are imperfect reflections, their wise administration of justice serves as an earthly shadow of God's perfect governance. The "scattering" and "crushing" of the wicked by a wise king foreshadows the ultimate divine separation of the righteous from the unrighteous, ensuring the purity and flourishing of God's kingdom. This proactive approach to justice is essential for societal well-being and reflects a divine mandate for leaders to uphold moral order.

* [Psalm 1:4-6](/psalms/1-4 "Psalm 1:4-6 - The Destiny of the Wicked")
* [Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - John the Baptist's Prophecy of Judgment")
* [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Proverbs 20:26 directly addresses the responsibilities of a king, its principles resonate deeply with all forms of leadership and even with individual believers today. For those in positions of authority—whether in government, business, education, or the church—this proverb serves as a powerful reminder of the imperative to exercise discernment and courage in confronting injustice, corruption, and harmful practices. A wise leader does not passively observe evil but actively works to "scatter" and "bring the wheel over" those influences that threaten the well-being and moral fabric of the community they serve. This requires both wisdom to identify the wicked and the resolve to enact appropriate consequences. For individuals, the proverb calls us to apply similar discernment in our personal lives. We are to be wise in our choices, "scattering" the wicked influences from our own hearts and spheres of influence by rejecting sinful behaviors, choosing righteous associations, and actively pursuing purity. Just as a wise king purifies his realm, we are called to cultivate lives of integrity, knowing that our actions contribute to the moral health of our families, churches, and communities. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to align with God's justice, trusting that He is the ultimate wise King who will one day fully and finally judge all evil, establishing His eternal kingdom of righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this proverb challenge my understanding of leadership, whether in a public or personal sphere?**
* **In what areas of my life or influence do I need to "scatter" wicked influences or practices?**
* **How can I cultivate the kind of "wisdom" described in this verse to discern and act against injustice more effectively?**
* **What comfort or challenge does the ultimate divine judgment of the "wise King" (God) offer me?**

### FAQ
**Does "bringeth the wheel over them" imply violence or cruelty?**

Answer: While the imagery is certainly forceful and speaks of decisive judgment, it should be understood within the context of ancient agricultural practices and the king's role in maintaining justice. The "wheel" refers to a threshing wheel or sledge, a tool used to crush and separate grain from stalks. Applied to the wicked, it signifies a complete and thorough incapacitation or removal of their harmful influence, rather than necessarily advocating for gratuitous violence. It emphasizes the finality and effectiveness of the judgment, ensuring that the wicked are rendered powerless to continue their destructive ways, much like chaff is utterly separated and discarded. This is about the eradication of evil's power, not necessarily a call for cruel punishment beyond what is just and necessary for the restoration of order. The purpose is to purify the realm, a necessary act for the well-being of the righteous, aligning with God's own character as a just judge who will one day [judge the earth with righteousness](/psalms/98-9 "Psalm 98:9 - God's Righteous Judgment").

**How does this verse relate to modern concepts of justice and rehabilitation?**

Answer: Proverbs 20:26 primarily focuses on the king's role in swiftly and decisively removing threats to societal order, emphasizing the consequences for persistent wickedness. While modern justice systems often incorporate elements of rehabilitation, the ancient Near Eastern context placed a strong emphasis on maintaining social purity and deterring crime through clear and often severe penalties. This proverb highlights the necessity of confronting and incapacitating those who actively undermine the common good. It serves as a reminder that a just society cannot ignore or tolerate persistent evil. For believers, it underscores the importance of both grace and truth: while we extend grace and seek restoration, there are times when decisive action is required to protect the innocent and uphold righteousness, reflecting the biblical tension between mercy and justice, as seen in passages like [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 20:26, with its depiction of a wise king decisively dealing with the wicked, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While earthly kings, even the wisest, are imperfect and limited in their ability to truly "scatter the wicked" and "bring the wheel over them," Christ is the quintessential **Wise King**, the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose wisdom is infinite and whose reign is eternal. He perfectly embodies the discernment necessary to identify all forms of wickedness, not just external acts but the very sin that resides in the human heart, as He Himself declared in [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart"). His first coming initiated the process of "scattering the wicked" by exposing sin and offering redemption to those who believe, drawing them out of the dominion of darkness and into His marvelous light ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). His ministry, culminating in His death and resurrection, was the decisive blow—the ultimate "wheel"—over the power of sin, death, and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). At His second coming, Christ will fully and finally "bring the wheel over" all wickedness, executing perfect justice and separating the righteous from the unrighteous with absolute authority. He will cast out all evil, establishing His righteous kingdom where "nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful" ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - No Impurity in the New Jerusalem")). Thus, Proverbs 20:26 points forward to the sovereign rule of Christ, who alone possesses the perfect wisdom and power to utterly defeat all evil and establish a kingdom of everlasting righteousness and peace.

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 20:8

¶ A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

Psalms 101:5

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

Psalms 101:8

I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.

2 Samuel 4:9

¶ And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, [As] the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity,

2 Samuel 4:12

And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged [them] up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried [it] in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.

2 Samuel 12:31

And he brought forth the people that [were] therein, and put [them] under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.

Isaiah 28:27

For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod.