King James Version
Proverbs 20
30 verses with commentary
Proverbs on Justice and the King
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb warns against alcohol abuse: 'Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.' Wine (yayin) and strong drink (shekhar—beer or fermented drink) are personified as 'mocker' and 'raging.' They deceive, promising pleasure while delivering foolishness and loss of control. Those 'deceived' by alcohol lack wisdom. The verse doesn't absolutely prohibit...
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**XX.**
(1) **Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging—***i.e., *producing these effects in those who subject themselves to their power.
The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
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KJV Study Commentary
A king's wrath is like 'the roaring of a lion,' and provoking him 'sinneth against his own soul.' The Hebrew 'naham' (roaring) evokes terror—a lion's roar before attack. To anger the king is suicidal folly. This teaches respect for authority and caution in approaching power. Reformed theology recognizes that God establishes governing authorities (Romans 13:1), and while we must obey God over man w...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion, ***i.e., *the dread which he casts upon others when he is becoming angry is a warning of approaching. danger.
**Sinneth against his own soul—***i.e.*, against his own life.
It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
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KJV Study Commentary
Ceasing from strife brings honor, while every fool meddles in quarrels. Peacemaking requires strength to restrain oneself, while stirring up conflict reveals foolish lack of self-control. This echoes Jesus' blessing on peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **But every fool.—**Self-willed person. (Comp. Proverbs 1:22.)
**Will be meddling**.—Or, rather, *shewing his teeth: *(Comp. Proverbs 17:14) thinking that his own personal dignity is at stake.
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. cold: or, winter
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KJV Study Commentary
The 'sluggard' (Hebrew 'atsel'—lazy person) won't plow in winter due to cold, so he begs during harvest and receives nothing. This illustrates the principle of sowing and reaping. Those who avoid necessary labor when it's difficult will lack when it's time to enjoy fruit. Reformed theology emphasizes diligent work as Christian calling (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Slothfulness is sin—a failure of stewar...
Read full commentary →Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
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KJV Study Commentary
Counsel in the heart is like 'deep water,' but 'a man of understanding' draws it out. The Hebrew 'mayim amaq' (deep waters) suggests hidden wisdom requiring effort to access. The word 'dalah' (draw out) refers to drawing water from a well—difficult but rewarding work. This teaches that insight often lies beneath surface thoughts, requiring reflection and questioning. Reformed theology values thoug...
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(5) **Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water.**—The wise thoughts of a “man,” fitly so-called (comp. Proverbs 18:4), may be hid deep in his breast, like the waters of a well, but a man of understanding knows how to draw them out as by a windlass and bucket (Exodus 2:16).
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? goodness: or, bounty
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KJV Study Commentary
Many proclaim 'his own goodness' (Hebrew 'chesed'—lovingkindness, loyalty), but 'a faithful man who can find?' The contrast is between self-promotion and proven character. Many claim to be faithful, but few actually are. The rhetorical question emphasizes rarity of genuine faithfulness. Reformed theology recognizes humanity's tendency toward self-deception and self-aggrandizement. True faithfulnes...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness.—**Will be full of his benevolent intentions, “but a faithful man,” who carries out these promises, “who can find?”
The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
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KJV Study Commentary
The just walk in integrity, leaving a heritage of blessing for their children. Righteousness has generational impact—children blessed by parents' godly example and reputation. This demonstrates covenant theology's emphasis on God's promises extending to believers' households.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **The just man.—**Comp. Proverbs 10:2.
**His children are blessed after him.**—Comp. 1Kings 15:4, Jeremiah 33:20-21.
A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
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KJV Study Commentary
A king on the throne of judgment 'scattereth away all evil with his eyes.' The Hebrew 'zarah' (scatter/winnow) suggests separating wheat from chaff. A wise judge perceives truth and evil, rendering righteous verdicts. His penetrating gaze discerns deception. This points to Christ's perfect judgment—He 'searches hearts and minds' (Revelation 2:23). Reformed theology anticipates the final judgment w...
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(8) **A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment **. . .—See note on Proverbs 16:12.
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
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KJV Study Commentary
This rhetorical question expects the answer: no one. No person can claim complete heart purity or sinlessness. This verse confronts human self-righteousness by asserting universal depravity. Even the most outwardly moral person harbors sinful thoughts, desires, and motives. The Hebrew 'zakah' (clean/pure) and 'taher' (pure from sin) demand absolute moral perfection that only God possesses. This pr...
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(9) **Who can say, I have made my heart clean?**—Though we may have done our best by self-examination and confession, and repentance and trust in the atoning blood of Christ to obtain remission of sin, still the heart is so deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), sins may so easily have escaped our notice (Psalm 19:12, 1Corinthians 4:4), that satisfaction with ourselves ought never to be allowed (Romans 11:20)...
Read full commentary →Divers weights , and divers measures , both of them are alike abomination to the LORD. Divers weights: Heb. A stone and a stone divers measures: Heb. an ephah and an ephah
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.</strong> This proverb addresses commercial ethics with stark clarity, condemning dishonest business practices that defraud others through manipulated measurements. The Hebrew <em>even va'even</em> (אֶבֶן וָאֶבֶן) literally means "stone and stone," referring to the practice of carrying two sets of weights—h...
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(10) **Divers weights and divers measures **. . .—See above on Proverbs 11:1.
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
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KJV Study Commentary
Even children reveal their character through actions—whether pure and right. This challenges sentimental views of childhood innocence, affirming that sin manifests early. Yet it also shows the importance of observing children's conduct to guide their formation in wisdom and righteousness.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Even a child is known by his doings **. . .—The disposition soon shews itself; all the more reason, therefore, to train it betimes.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 145 Psa 145:1-21. A Psalm of praise to God for His mighty, righteous, and gracious government of all men, and of His humble and suffering people in particular.
1-2. (Compare Psa 30:1).
**bless thy name--**celebrate Thy perfections (Psa 5:11). God is addressed as king, alluding to His government of men.
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
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KJV Study Commentary
God's creative sovereignty extends to human faculties. The 'hearing ear and seeing eye' represent our ability to perceive reality and acquire knowledge. These are not products of evolutionary chance but divine craftsmanship. This verse establishes God's ownership of and authority over all human capacity. Our senses are gifts designed to glorify God by rightly perceiving His creation and revelation...
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(12) **The Lord hath made even both of them.—**And, therefore, they are to be used as He would have them. (Comp. our Lord’s constant warning, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”) The proverb may also remind us of the admonition in Proverbs 15:3, and Psalm 94:9, to remember God’s constant watchfulness over us.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 145 Psa 145:1-21. A Psalm of praise to God for His mighty, righteous, and gracious government of all men, and of His humble and suffering people in particular.
1-2. (Compare Psa 30:1).
**bless thy name--**celebrate Thy perfections (Psa 5:11). God is addressed as king, alluding to His government of men.
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
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KJV Study Commentary
The contrast between loving sleep and loving diligence determines economic outcomes. 'Love not sleep' doesn't forbid necessary rest but warns against slothful indulgence. Excessive sleep leads to poverty; diligent wakefulness brings abundance—'satisfied with bread.' This reflects God's creational design where work produces provision. The sluggard's love of comfort becomes idolatry, while the dilig...
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(13) **Open thine eyes.—**Be up and stirring.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3. (Compare Psa 18:3; 48:1).
**greatness--**as displayed in His works.
It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb humorously depicts common marketplace deception. The buyer disparages the goods ('It is naught, it is naught') to drive down the price, then boasts after getting a bargain. This exposes duplicity in commercial dealings—saying one thing while intending another. While shrewd negotiation has its place, this verse critiques dishonest manipulation where internal valuation contradicts exter...
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(14) **It is naught, saith the buyer.—**He cries down the goods he wants to purchase.
**Then he boasteth.**—How he has outdone the seller, and got the goods below their value. For other notices of cheating in trade see above on Proverbs 11:1.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. shall declare--**literally, "they shall declare," that is, all generations.
There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse establishes a hierarchy of value: gold and rubies represent material wealth, but 'lips of knowledge' surpass both as 'precious jewels.' Wisdom spoken and shared has eternal value far exceeding earthly treasures. Knowledge here means not mere information but godly wisdom applied to life. The lips that speak truth, counsel wisely, and impart understanding are more valuable than any materi...
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(15) **Rubies.—**See above on Proverbs 3:15.
**Lips of knowledge.**—See above on Proverbs 18:4.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. I will speak--**or, "muse" (Psa 77:12; 119:15).
**thy wondrous works--**or, "words of thy wonders," that is, which described them (Psa 105:27, Margin).
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse addresses surety (pledging collateral for another's debt). If someone is foolish enough to guarantee a stranger's debt, creditors should 'take his garment'—hold collateral to secure payment. The 'strange woman' likely refers to an adulteress or foreigner, emphasizing the foolishness of such entanglement. The principle: don't subsidize folly or wickedness through unwise financial commitm...
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(16) **Take his garment that is surety for a stranger.**—Another warning against suretiship. (See above on Proverbs 6:1.) If a man is rash enough to become surety for another, he must suffer for his imprudence, and learn wisdom by feeling the effects of his folly.
**And take a pledge of him for a strange woman.**—Rather, *take him as a pledge *(seize upon his person who has become surety) *for a s...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. terrible acts--**which produce dread or fear.
Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. deceit: Heb. lying, or, falsehood
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KJV Study Commentary
Ill-gotten gain may seem 'sweet' initially—providing immediate pleasure and satisfaction. But eventually 'his mouth shall be filled with gravel'—the outcome is bitter, painful, and destructive. Bread obtained through deceit, theft, or fraud brings momentary gratification but ultimate ruin. The metaphor of 'gravel' suggests both worthlessness and injury; what seemed nourishing becomes indigestible ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. memory--**(Psa 6:5), remembrance, or what causes to be remembered.
**righteousness--**as in Psa 143:1, goodness according to covenant engagement.
Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
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KJV Study Commentary
Success in any enterprise requires counsel—seeking wise advice before acting. 'Established by counsel' indicates that sound plans rest on collective wisdom, not individual impulse. The specific application to warfare emphasizes the need for strategic planning under experienced guidance. War is too consequential to wage impulsively; victory requires careful strategy. This principle extends beyond m...
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8-9. (Compare Psa 103:8; 111:4).
**over all, &c.--**rests on all His works.
He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. flattereth: or, enticeth
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KJV Study Commentary
The 'talebearer' (Hebrew 'rachil,' one who goes about spreading gossip) reveals secrets and sows discord. Such a person cannot be trusted; they will expose confidences for entertainment or manipulation. Therefore, 'meddle not'—avoid close association with gossips. This protects both your secrets and your soul from the corrupting influence of slander. Gossip violates love of neighbor and often cons...
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(19) **Flattereth with his lips.—**Rather, *is open with his lips, *cannot keep them shut.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8-9. (Compare Psa 103:8; 111:4).
**over all, &c.--**rests on all His works.
Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. lamp: or, candle
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KJV Study Commentary
Cursing one's parents violates the fifth commandment and brings severe judgment—having one's 'lamp put out in obscure darkness.' The lamp symbolizes life, prosperity, and legacy; its extinction means premature death and obliteration. Those who revile the ones who gave them life reject God's ordained authority structure and invite covenant curse. This extreme penalty reflects how foundational paren...
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(20) **His lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.**—See above, on Proverbs 13:9.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. bless--**as in Psa 145:1, to praise with reverence, more than merely to praise.
An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.</strong><br><br>This proverb warns against wealth acquired too quickly or easily at life's start. The Hebrew <em>nachalah</em> (inheritance) typically referred to land or property passed from parents to children, but here describes any wealth obtained without corresponding effort or maturity. T...
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(21) **The end thereof shall not be blessed.—**Comp. Proverbs 28:20 : the evil means by which he acquired the possession will, at the last, be visited upon him. Thus Jacob was punished severely for the selfishness by which he gained the birthright, and for the fraud by which he obtained the blessing belonging to his brother.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11-12. The declaration of God's glory is for the extension of His knowledge and perfections in the world.
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
Personal vengeance is prohibited; believers must 'wait on the LORD' for vindication. The promise 'he shall save thee' assures divine justice for those wronged. This doesn't forbid appropriate use of legal systems or self-defense but prohibits taking revenge into our own hands. God alone judges hearts perfectly and executes justice rightly. Our calling is patient trust in His timing and wisdom. Ven...
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(22) **Wait on the Lord and he shall save thee.—**Do not look for vengeance on enemies (for they are to be forgiven), but for deliverance from their attacks; forget their malice, remember only God’s love for thee, and trust in Him. (Comp. 1Peter 3:13, Romans 8:28.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11-12. The declaration of God's glory is for the extension of His knowledge and perfections in the world.
Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good. a false: Heb. balance of deceit
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse repeats the condemnation of 'diverse weights' (dishonest scales) found throughout Proverbs. Commercial fraud—whether inflating measures for sales or deflating them for purchases—is 'not good' (a deliberate understatement meaning 'abominable'). Such dishonesty violates both justice and love of neighbor. The repeated emphasis on honest weights reflects how pervasive such fraud was and how...
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13. (Compare Da 4:3, 34).
Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
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KJV Study Commentary
Human autonomy is an illusion; 'Man's goings are of the LORD.' God sovereignly directs human steps, even when people are unaware. The rhetorical question 'how can a man understand his own way?' emphasizes our inability to comprehend or control our paths. This doesn't eliminate human responsibility but establishes divine sovereignty over all things. We plan, but God determines outcomes (Proverbs 16...
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(24) **Man’s goings are of the Lord.—**Comp. Jeremiah 10:23 and the collect, “O God, from whom . . . all just works do proceed.”
**How can a man then understand his own way?—***i.e.*, how he should go. So much the more reason for the prayer of Psalm 25:3, “Shew me thy ways, O Lord.” (Comp. Psalm 119:33, *ff, *Psalm 143:8.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14. (Compare Psa 37:17; 54:4).
It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
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KJV Study Commentary
This warns against rash religious vows. To 'devour that which is holy' means to consecrate something to God hastily, then after making the vow ('after vows to make inquiry') reconsider whether you can fulfill it. Such rashness treats sacred commitments carelessly. Vows to God must be taken seriously and kept faithfully (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). Impulsive dedication that one later regrets demonstrates ...
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(25) **It is a snare to a man who devoureth that which is holy.—**Rather, *It is a snare for a man *(*i.e., *gets him into trouble) *rashly to say, *“*It is dedicated” *(i.e., when he thoughtlessly dedicates anything to God), *and after he has vowed to enquire *(whether he can keep his word). (Comp. Ecclesiasticus 5:2; Ecclesiasticus 5:4-6.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-16. eyes of ... thee--**or, look with expecting faith (Psa 104:27, 28).
A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
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KJV Study Commentary
A wise king exercises judicial discernment to identify and punish evildoers ('scattereth the wicked') and executes judgment decisively ('bringeth the wheel over them'). The wheel imagery likely refers to threshing—separating grain from chaff, a common biblical metaphor for judgment. The righteous ruler doesn't tolerate wickedness but actively roots it out to protect the innocent and maintain justi...
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(26) **A wise king scattereth the wicked.—**Rather, *winnows *them.
**And bringeth the wheel over them.—**Comp. Isaiah 28:27. A sort of sledge or cart was driven over the stalks of corn spread upon the threshing-floor, by means of which the grain was separated from the husk. A wise king winnows out evil persons from among his people, thus putting an end to their corrupting influence. (Comp. Matthe...
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**15-16. eyes of ... thee--**or, look with expecting faith (Psa 104:27, 28).
The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. candle: or, lamp
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb uses lamp imagery for human consciousness: 'The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.' The 'spirit of man' (neshamah adam—breath, life-force given by God) functions as God's 'candle' or 'lamp' (ner), illuminating the inner person. This suggests human conscience, self-awareness, and moral consciousness as God-given capacities enabling mor...
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(27) **The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord.**—The spirit of man, breathed into him at first by the Creator (Genesis 2:7), and afterwards quickened and illumined by the Divine Spirit, is the “candle of the Lord,” given to man as an inward light and guide.
**Searching all the inward parts of the belly.—**That is, of the inmost heart of man; testing all his thoughts, feelings, desires, by God...
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**17. holy ... works--**literally, "merciful" or "kind, goodness" (Psa 144:2) is the corresponding noun.
**righteous--**in a similar relation of meaning to "righteousness" (Psa 145:7).
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
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KJV Study Commentary
God's covenant love ('mercy and truth') preserves the king's person and authority. 'Mercy' (chesed) is God's steadfast covenant faithfulness; 'truth' (emet) is His reliability and faithfulness. Together they form the foundation of just rule. The king who governs according to these attributes—showing mercy to the vulnerable and upholding truth in justice—will have a secure throne. This connects pol...
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(28) **Mercy and truth preserve the king.—**See above on Proverbs 3:3. The love and faithfulness he shows to his subjects draw out the same qualities in them, and these are the safeguard of his throne. So (Psalm 130:4) the mercy shown by God inspires man with a reverent fear of Him, while harshness might have made him a slave, or driven him through despair into rebellion. (Comp. Jeremiah 33:9.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
18-19. (Compare Psa 34:7, 10).
The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse contrasts youth's vitality with age's dignity. 'Glory of young men is their strength'—physical vigor, energy, and prowess. But 'beauty of old men is the gray head'—accumulated wisdom, experience, and character forged through years of faithful living. Both stages have appropriate value and contribution. The young should use strength for productive work and defense; the old should offer w...
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(29) **The beauty of old men is the grey head.—**As suggesting the possession of experience and wisdom. It is the fault of the aged, therefore, if they do not receive the honour due to them, and this arises from their not having so spent their youth and middle age as to make their old age venerable.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
18-19. (Compare Psa 34:7, 10).
The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly. cleanseth: Heb. is a purging medicine against
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KJV Study Commentary
Suffering and correction have purifying effects—'stripes' (wounds from discipline) and 'blows' cleanse away evil. Physical punishment serves pedagogical and reformative purposes, purging wickedness from the heart. While modern sensibilities recoil, the proverb reflects biblical realism about human depravity and the need for strong correction. The 'inward parts' (Hebrew 'chadrei-beten') refers to t...
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(30) **The blueness of a wound.**—Rather, *the stripes of a wound, *or wounds which cut into the flesh, cleanse away evil.
**So do stripes the inward parts of the belly.—**Better, *and blows *(which reach) *the inward parts of the belly, i.e., *which are felt in the inmost recesses of the heart (comp. Proverbs 20:27). Kindness is thrown away upon some people: they can only be touched by punishment...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
20. Those who fear Him (Psa 145:19) are those who are here said to love Him.