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.
View 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 alcohol (Scripture permits moderate use) but warns against its deceptive power. Proverbs repeatedly cautions about drunkenness (23:20-21, 29-35; 31:4-5). The warning recognizes alcohol's capacity to impair judgment and lead to destructive behavior.
The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
View 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 when they conflict, we should approach earthly rulers with prudence and respect. Unnecessarily provoking authorities is foolish and sinful.
It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
View 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).
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. cold: or, winter
View 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 stewardship and trust in God's providence. This proverb warns that present ease purchased through laziness yields future want.
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
View 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 thoughtful meditation on Scripture and doctrine. A person of understanding asks probing questions and digs beneath superficial answers to reach truth.
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? goodness: or, bounty
View 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 faithfulness is demonstrated over time through trials, not proclaimed through self-commendation. God values proven character, not impressive claims.
The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
View 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.
A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
View 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 when all evil is separated from good. This verse also instructs earthly judges to pursue discernment, recognizing that their office reflects God's judicial authority.
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
View 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 proverb anticipates Paul's teaching that 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23). It demolishes every claim to self-justification and drives us to seek righteousness outside ourselves—ultimately found only in Christ's imputed righteousness. Only through Christ's perfect obedience and atoning death can sinners stand clean before God.
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
View commentary
Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD. This proverb addresses commercial ethics with stark clarity, condemning dishonest business practices that defraud others through manipulated measurements. The Hebrew even va'even (אֶבֶן וָאֶבֶן) literally means "stone and stone," referring to the practice of carrying two sets of weights—heavier ones for buying and lighter ones for selling, thereby cheating both suppliers and customers.
"Divers" means different, varied, or duplicitous—not the honest variety of legitimate trade but deceptive variance designed to exploit. Ancient merchants used stone weights on balance scales to measure grain, precious metals, and other commodities. Unscrupulous traders kept multiple weights: heavy stones to shortchange sellers when purchasing goods, and light stones to overcharge buyers when selling. This systematic deception represented more than occasional dishonesty; it corrupted the entire economic system.
"Abomination to the LORD" (to'avat Yahweh, תּוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה) uses the strongest possible language of divine disgust. To'evah describes what is morally repugnant, detestable, utterly offensive to God's character. The same term describes idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:25), sexual immorality (Leviticus 18:22), and other grave sins. Significantly, God doesn't merely disapprove of commercial dishonesty—He finds it abominable, placing it in the same category as the most serious covenant violations.
The principle extends beyond literal weights to all forms of deception in business: false advertising, predatory lending, exploitative contracts, insider trading, accounting fraud, or any practice that uses superior knowledge or position to defraud others. God's law demands absolute integrity in all transactions because economic relationships reflect our relationship with Him. The marketplace becomes a testing ground for genuine righteousness, revealing whether we love neighbor as ourselves or exploit them for personal gain.
"Divers" means different, varied, or duplicitous—not the honest variety of legitimate trade but deceptive variance designed to exploit. Ancient merchants used stone weights on balance scales to measure grain, precious metals, and other commodities. Unscrupulous traders kept multiple weights: heavy stones to shortchange sellers when purchasing goods, and light stones to overcharge buyers when selling. This systematic deception represented more than occasional dishonesty; it corrupted the entire economic system.
"Abomination to the LORD" (to'avat Yahweh, תּוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה) uses the strongest possible language of divine disgust. To'evah describes what is morally repugnant, detestable, utterly offensive to God's character. The same term describes idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:25), sexual immorality (Leviticus 18:22), and other grave sins. Significantly, God doesn't merely disapprove of commercial dishonesty—He finds it abominable, placing it in the same category as the most serious covenant violations.
The principle extends beyond literal weights to all forms of deception in business: false advertising, predatory lending, exploitative contracts, insider trading, accounting fraud, or any practice that uses superior knowledge or position to defraud others. God's law demands absolute integrity in all transactions because economic relationships reflect our relationship with Him. The marketplace becomes a testing ground for genuine righteousness, revealing whether we love neighbor as ourselves or exploit them for personal gain.
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
View 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.
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
View 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. Importantly, spiritual perception requires more than physical organs—God must open deaf ears and blind eyes to receive truth (Isaiah 6:9-10). The same God who made physical ears and eyes must grant spiritual sight and hearing. All knowledge begins with recognizing God as Creator and source of truth.
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
View 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 diligent worker honors God through faithful stewardship of time and energy. The New Testament echoes this: 'if any would not work, neither should he eat' (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Hard work is not optional but a divine calling and means of supporting oneself, family, and ministry.
It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
View 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 external claim. Such behavior violates the commandment against false witness and the requirement to love neighbor as self. Commercial transactions should reflect covenant faithfulness and truthfulness. The broader principle applies to all areas: consistency between words and thoughts honors God; hypocrisy dishonors Him.
There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
View 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 material possession. This reflects God's value system where spiritual realities trump physical ones. The gospel itself is the supreme 'knowledge'—understanding Christ and His salvation. Those who proclaim and teach biblical truth possess wealth that neither rusts nor fades.
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
View 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 commitment. While charity and generosity are virtues, enabling irresponsibility or sin is not. This wisdom protects both the guarantor (who shouldn't pledge what he cannot afford to lose) and society (which shouldn't enable vice). Believers must balance compassion with discernment, helping the genuinely needy while not enabling wickedness.
Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. deceit: Heb. lying, or, falsehood
View 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 and harmful. This reflects God's moral order: sin always pays wages, and stolen pleasure turns to lasting pain. The apparently successful wicked will face both temporal consequences and eternal judgment. Better to earn honest bread, even if scarce, than feast on dishonest abundance that becomes ashes.
Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
View 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 military matters to all significant decisions. Seeking counsel demonstrates humility, wisdom, and recognition of our limitations. The fool proceeds alone; the wise seek multitudes of advisers (Proverbs 11:14). Ultimately, believers should seek counsel from Scripture, wise believers, and through prayer—submitting all plans to God's revealed will.
He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. flattereth: or, enticeth
View 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 constitutes bearing false witness. It destroys reputations, fractures relationships, and dishonors God. The godly person guards confidences, speaks truth in love, and refuses to participate in destructive speech. Wise friendship requires discretion and trustworthiness.
Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. lamp: or, candle
View 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 parental honor is to social order and godliness. Children who curse parents demonstrate hearts in total rebellion against God's law. While the New Testament transforms outward curses through gospel grace, the principle remains: honoring parents is prerequisite to flourishing life, while despising them brings ruin.
An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
View commentary
An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
This proverb warns against wealth acquired too quickly or easily at life's start. The Hebrew nachalah (inheritance) typically referred to land or property passed from parents to children, but here describes any wealth obtained without corresponding effort or maturity. The phrase "gotten hastily" (mevorakhat barishonah, literally "hurried/greedy at the first") suggests both speed and improper eagerness—wealth seized prematurely or through questionable means.
The contrast between "beginning" (rishonah) and "end" (acharit) creates temporal tension: what seems fortunate initially proves cursed ultimately. The passive construction "shall not be blessed" (lo tevorakh) indicates divine disapproval—God doesn't bless wealth obtained wrongly or before one is ready to steward it wisely. This reflects the biblical principle that character development must match resource accumulation. Premature wealth—through inheritance, lottery, fraud, or shortcuts—often destroys rather than builds because the recipient lacks the wisdom, discipline, and maturity that normally accompany earned wealth.
This proverb warns against wealth acquired too quickly or easily at life's start. The Hebrew nachalah (inheritance) typically referred to land or property passed from parents to children, but here describes any wealth obtained without corresponding effort or maturity. The phrase "gotten hastily" (mevorakhat barishonah, literally "hurried/greedy at the first") suggests both speed and improper eagerness—wealth seized prematurely or through questionable means.
The contrast between "beginning" (rishonah) and "end" (acharit) creates temporal tension: what seems fortunate initially proves cursed ultimately. The passive construction "shall not be blessed" (lo tevorakh) indicates divine disapproval—God doesn't bless wealth obtained wrongly or before one is ready to steward it wisely. This reflects the biblical principle that character development must match resource accumulation. Premature wealth—through inheritance, lottery, fraud, or shortcuts—often destroys rather than builds because the recipient lacks the wisdom, discipline, and maturity that normally accompany earned wealth.
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
View 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. Vengeance belongs to God (Romans 12:19); our response should be forgiveness and blessing of enemies. This reflects faith that God governs all things and will ultimately right every wrong. Those who trust God's justice can release bitterness and pursue peace.
Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good. a false: Heb. balance of deceit
View 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 seriously God views it. Every transaction is a moral act reflecting either covenant faithfulness or selfish exploitation. Honest business dealings demonstrate love for God and neighbor, while fraud reveals heart corruption. God will judge every act of commercial dishonesty because it oppresses the poor and despises His image in others.
Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
View 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 16:9). This should produce both humility (recognizing our limitations) and trust (knowing God guides). The wise person commits his way to the Lord and trusts His direction rather than leaning on personal understanding. God's providence governs all events, working all things for His glory and the good of His elect.
It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
View 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 irreverence toward God and His worship. Better not to vow than to vow and break it. This applies beyond formal religious vows to all commitments made before God—promises, dedications, oaths. Let your yes be yes and your no be no, speaking with careful integrity rather than emotional impulse.
A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
View 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 justice. This reflects God's own governance: He separates sheep from goats, wheat from tares. While the church must not wield the sword, civil magistrates are ordained by God to punish evil and praise good (Romans 13:1-7). Wisdom in leadership requires both discernment to identify evil and courage to confront it.
The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. candle: or, lamp
View 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 moral reflection and self-examination. The lamp 'searches all the inward parts'—reaches the deepest places of human motivation and thought. This anticipates the New Testament teaching that the spirit of man knows his own thoughts (1 Corinthians 2:11) and that God's word discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
View 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 political stability to moral character and divine blessing. Conversely, rulers who practice injustice invite instability and judgment. The principle applies beyond kings to all in authority: leadership endures through righteousness, not might. Ultimately, Christ's throne is established forever because He perfectly embodies mercy and truth.
The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
View 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 wise counsel born of long obedience. Each generation needs the other: youth provides energy and innovation; age provides wisdom and perspective. To despise either is foolish. The church especially should honor elderly saints who have walked with God faithfully, treasuring their counsel and learning from their experience.
The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly. cleanseth: Heb. is a purging medicine against
View 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 the innermost being—thoughts, motives, desires. External discipline can effect internal change by breaking stubborn will and teaching consequences. This applies both to child-rearing and to God's fatherly discipline of His children (Hebrews 12:5-11). Properly administered correction demonstrates love and aims at restoration and righteousness.