Proverbs 20
Proverbs 20 offers wisdom on various topics, such as self-control, diligence, integrity, and justice. The chapter provides practical advice on how to live a righteous life and avoid the pitfalls of pride, deceit, and laziness. It encourages reliance on God's guidance rather than human strength or understanding.
Proverbs 20:1 (NKJV)
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Excessive consumption of alcohol leads to mockery and violence. The verse warns against the dangers of drunkenness, noting how it can distort judgment and cause harm. A person who allows alcohol to control them will not act wisely, emphasizing the importance of self-control in maintaining a clear and disciplined mind.
Proverbs 20:2 (NKJV)
2 The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.
This verse illustrates the dangerous consequences of angering someone in authority, especially a king. Just as a lion’s roar signals danger, so does a king’s wrath. It emphasizes the need for caution and respect when dealing with powerful individuals, as provoking their anger can lead to serious harm or even death.
Proverbs 20:3 (NKJV)
3 It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.
The verse highlights the value of peace and self-restraint. It takes wisdom and honor to avoid unnecessary conflicts, while anyone, even a fool, can ignite a quarrel. The message encourages peacemaking over petty arguments, as wisdom lies in knowing when to let go and avoid strife.
Proverbs 20:4 (NKJV)
4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter; he will beg during harvest and have nothing.
This verse contrasts laziness with hard work. The lazy person finds excuses to avoid work, like the discomfort of cold weather, but this results in poverty and lack during the harvest. It underscores the importance of diligence and timely effort to secure future prosperity.
Proverbs 20:5 (NKJV)
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Good advice and wisdom are often hidden deep within a person, much like water in a well. It requires a person of understanding to patiently draw out these insights. The verse encourages discernment and reflection in seeking wisdom, implying that it’s not always readily available but must be carefully uncovered.
Proverbs 20:6 (NKJV)
6 Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?
While many people boast about their own righteousness, truly faithful and trustworthy individuals are rare. The verse contrasts empty self-praise with genuine faithfulness and integrity, pointing out that it is actions, not words, that reveal a person's true character.
Proverbs 20:7 (NKJV)
7 The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.
A righteous man’s integrity impacts not only his own life but also the lives of his descendants. By living with honesty and uprightness, he leaves a legacy of blessings for his children, showing how one’s moral choices have long-term benefits beyond their own generation.
Proverbs 20:8 (NKJV)
8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters all evil with his eyes.
A just ruler has the authority and discernment to drive out evil simply by his presence and judgment. This verse highlights the importance of righteous leadership in maintaining justice and order. A wise king can easily identify and eliminate wrongdoing, ensuring peace and fairness in his kingdom.
Proverbs 20:9 (NKJV)
9 Who can say, "I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin"?
This verse acknowledges the universal truth that no one can claim to be completely sinless. It reminds us of human imperfection and the need for humility, recognizing that everyone has flaws and is in need of forgiveness and cleansing.
Proverbs 20:10 (NKJV)
10 Diverse weights and diverse measures, they are both alike, an abomination to the Lord.
Dishonest practices, like using different weights and measures to cheat others, are detestable to God. The verse emphasizes the importance of fairness and integrity in business dealings, warning against any form of deceit or manipulation in matters of trade and justice.
Proverbs 20:11 (NKJV)
11 Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.
A person's character is revealed through their actions, even from a young age. This verse underscores the importance of teaching children the value of right conduct early on. It also suggests that behavior, not just words or intentions, demonstrates a person's true nature.
Proverbs 20:12 (NKJV)
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both.
This verse highlights that all human faculties come from God. Our ability to hear and see are gifts from Him, emphasizing His sovereignty over creation. It serves as a reminder to use these senses for righteous purposes, as they are divinely given.
Proverbs 20:13 (NKJV)
13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread.
This verse warns against laziness, specifically excessive sleep, which leads to poverty. It encourages diligence and staying alert to opportunities. By being industrious, one can secure their daily needs and avoid the consequences of slothfulness.
Proverbs 20:14 (NKJV)
14 "It is good for nothing," cries the buyer; but when he has gone his way, then he boasts.
The verse describes a common practice in commerce where a buyer downplays the value of an item to secure a better deal, only to later boast about the bargain. It reflects the cunning nature of people in business and warns against dishonesty and manipulation in transactions.
Proverbs 20:15 (NKJV)
15 There is gold and a multitude of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
While material wealth such as gold and rubies has value, the verse emphasizes that wisdom and knowledge are far more precious. It suggests that the words of a knowledgeable person hold greater worth than any physical treasure, urging a pursuit of wisdom over wealth.
Proverbs 20:16 (NKJV)
16 Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, and hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress.
This verse advises caution in financial dealings, particularly when someone takes on a risky obligation like cosigning a loan for a stranger or being involved with a morally dubious person. It suggests holding collateral to protect oneself from potential losses, highlighting the dangers of poor financial decisions.
Proverbs 20:17 (NKJV)
17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
Deceptive gains may seem rewarding at first, but they ultimately lead to regret and bitterness. This verse warns that dishonest actions bring temporary pleasure but have long-term consequences. In the end, the deceitful person’s satisfaction turns into discomfort and misery.
Proverbs 20:18 (NKJV)
18 Plans are established by counsel; by wise counsel wage war.
This verse underscores the importance of seeking advice and wisdom before making decisions, especially in serious matters like war. It highlights the value of thoughtful planning and strategic counsel in achieving success. Acting impulsively without guidance can lead to failure.
Proverbs 20:19 (NKJV)
19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.
Gossipers and flatterers are untrustworthy, as they spread secrets and manipulate others. The verse advises avoiding such individuals, as their behavior can cause harm and create division. Instead, it encourages relationships based on honesty and integrity.
Proverbs 20:20 (NKJV)
20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in deep darkness.
Disrespecting one’s parents leads to a life of darkness and ruin. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of honoring parents, with the image of a "lamp being put out" symbolizing the loss of guidance and life. Disobedience to parents brings severe consequences, both morally and spiritually.
Proverbs 20:21 (NKJV)
21 An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.
Receiving wealth or inheritance too quickly, especially without effort or maturity, often leads to problems. Without the wisdom and experience needed to manage it, the blessings of the inheritance are squandered or misused, leading to regret or financial loss in the long run. This verse encourages patience and diligence in acquiring wealth.
Proverbs 20:22 (NKJV)
22 Do not say, "I will recompense evil"; wait for the Lord, and He will save you.
The verse warns against seeking personal revenge when wronged. Instead, it urges trust in God’s justice. Taking matters into one’s own hands leads to further conflict and sin, but waiting on God allows Him to bring about true justice and deliverance.
Proverbs 20:23 (NKJV)
23 Diverse weights are an abomination to the Lord, and dishonest scales are not good.
This reiterates the earlier warning about dishonest business practices. Using false weights and measures to cheat others is strongly condemned by God. The verse emphasizes fairness and integrity in all dealings, as deceit is detestable to the Lord.
Proverbs 20:24 (NKJV)
24 A man's steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?
Human life and direction are guided by God, even when we don’t fully understand His plans. This verse points to the mystery of divine providence, suggesting that, while we may not comprehend everything that happens in life, we must trust that God is guiding our steps for His purposes.
Proverbs 20:25 (NKJV)
25 It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, and afterward to reconsider his vows.
This verse warns against making impulsive promises or vows to God without fully considering their implications. Rash commitments, especially in spiritual matters, can lead to regret when a person realizes they are unable to fulfill them. It encourages careful thought before making solemn promises.
Proverbs 20:26 (NKJV)
26 A wise king sifts out the wicked, and brings the threshing wheel over them.
A wise ruler is diligent in identifying and punishing wrongdoers, much like separating wheat from chaff. The “threshing wheel” symbolizes justice being served. This verse stresses the importance of wise leadership in maintaining justice and order in society by dealing firmly with evil.
Proverbs 20:27 (NKJV)
27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inner depths of his heart.
God uses the human spirit, or conscience, as a means of revealing the true intentions and thoughts within a person. This verse indicates that nothing is hidden from God, who searches the heart and judges accordingly. It encourages self-examination and sincerity in one's inner life.
Proverbs 20:28 (NKJV)
28 Mercy and truth preserve the king, and by lovingkindness he upholds his throne.
A ruler’s success and longevity are maintained through mercy and truth. These qualities ensure justice and fairness in leadership, allowing the king to gain the loyalty of his people. The verse teaches that leadership grounded in kindness and integrity is both powerful and enduring.
Proverbs 20:29 (NKJV)
29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head.
This verse acknowledges the strengths of both youth and old age. Young men are known for their physical strength and energy, while older men are honored for their wisdom and experience. Both attributes are valuable in their own time, reminding us of the different seasons of life and their respective strengths.
Proverbs 20:30 (NKJV)
30 Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, as do stripes the inner depths of the heart.
Discipline, though painful, purifies the heart and corrects wrongdoing. The verse likens physical punishment or hardship to a means of moral purification, suggesting that sometimes suffering is necessary to remove evil tendencies and to bring about positive change. It emphasizes the refining power of discipline in developing good character.