Proverbs 20

This chapter belongs to the collection of Solomon's proverbs that runs from 10:1 through 22:16 of the book of Proverbs. As in Proverbs 19, independent two-line sayings follow one after another. Several themes recur within the chapter, including just weights (vv. 10, 23) and the king (vv. 2, 8, 26, 28).

Outline

• Verses 1–4 speak of those led astray by wine and strong drink, the king's wrath that is like the roaring of a lion, the honor of keeping away from strife, and the sluggard who will not plow in autumn.
• Verses 5–11 address counsel in the heart that is like deep water, the faithful man who is hard to find, the blessing that comes to the children of the righteous, and the king who scatters evil. These are followed by the statement that no one can claim a pure heart, a warning against differing weights, and the observation that a child's character is revealed by his deeds.
• Verses 12–19 declare that the LORD made the ear and the eye, and go on to treat sleep, the talk of the haggling buyer, wise lips that are more precious than gold, standing surety for another, food gained by deceit, plans established through counsel, and the one who betrays secrets.
• Verses 20–25 speak in turn of the one who curses father or mother, an inheritance gained hastily, the exhortation not to repay evil but to wait on the LORD, deceitful scales, a man's steps ordered by the LORD, and the rash vow.
• Verses 26–30 describe the wise king who winnows the wicked, the human spirit as the lamp of the LORD, a throne upheld by mercy and truth, the strength of the young and the gray head of the old, and blows that reach the inmost parts.

Key Verses

• Proverbs 20:9 "Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?" — An acknowledgment that no one can confidently claim to be pure.
• Proverbs 20:22 "Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD" — An exhortation that forbids personal revenge and commits the matter to God.
• Proverbs 20:24 "Man's goings are of the LORD" — A statement of God's sovereignty in directing the course of human life.

People and Places

No specific people or places appear. "The king" refers not to a particular king but to rulers in general.

Points for Reflection

• The sayings of Proverbs are generally read as principles of ordinary life. An interpretation widely accepted in the study of wisdom literature holds that they are not to be read as promises that will invariably be fulfilled.
• Verse 1 is frequently cited in Korean churches as a basis for abstinence from alcohol. Views on drinking, however, differ among denominations and churches (see Alcohol and Tobacco).
• Verse 9 is read alongside Romans 3:10–12, which declares that all people are under sin, and verse 22 connects with Romans 12:17–21, which instructs believers to leave vengeance to God.
• The just weights of verses 10 and 23 echo the regulations of Deuteronomy 25. The rash vow of verse 25 may be compared with Ecclesiastes 5:4–5.
• The blows of verse 30 are cited, together with passages such as Proverbs 22:15, in discussions of child discipline. Readers differ on whether to take this as literal corporal punishment or as a figure for discipline in general.