Proverbs Chapter 20
From The Open Bible Project
20:1 Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
- (a) By wine here is meant him that is given to wine, and so by strong drink.
20:2 The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
- (b) Puts his life in danger.
20:3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling.
20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
- (c) It is hard to find out: for it is as deep waters, whose bottom cannot be found: yet the wise man will know a man either by his words or manners.
20:6 Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man?
20:7 A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him.
20:8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his eyes.
- (d) Where righteous judgment is executed, there sin ceases, and vice dare not appear.
20:9 Who can say, "I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin?"
20:10 Differing weights and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
- (e) Read (Proverbs 16:11).
20:11 Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.
20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Yahweh has made even both of them.
20:13 Don't love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.
20:14 "It's no good, it's no good," says the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasts.
20:15 There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.
20:16 Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman.
- (f) Teach him wit, that he cast not himself rashly into danger.
20:17 Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.
20:18 Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war!
20:19 He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don't keep company with him who opens wide his lips.
20:20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.
20:21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning, won't be blessed in the end.
20:22 Don't say, "I will pay back evil." Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.
20:23 Yahweh detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing.
20:24 A man's steps are from Yahweh; how then can man understand his way?
20:25 It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, then later to consider his vows.
- (g) That is, to apply or take for his own use, that which was appointed to God’s and then ask how he may be exempted from the fault.
20:26 A wise king winnows out the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them.
- (h) Which was a kind of punishment then used.
20:27 The spirit of man is Yahweh's lamp, searching all his innermost parts.
- (i) The word of God gives life to man and causes us to see and try the secret of our dark hearts, (Hebrews 4:12).
20:28 Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love.
20:29 The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair.
20:30 Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost parts.
- (k) Sharp punishment that pierces even the inward parts is profitable for the wicked to bring them to amendment.
