Proverbs 16:20

Authorized King James Version

He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַשְׂכִּ֣יל
wisely
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
דָּ֭בָר
He that handleth a matter
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
יִמְצָא
shall find
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#5
ט֑וֹב
good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#6
וּבוֹטֵ֖חַ
and whoso trusteth
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
#7
בַּיהוָ֣ה
in the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
אַשְׁרָֽיו׃
happy
happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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