Proverbs 20

Proverbs on Justice and the King

1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Parallel theme: Proverbs 31:4, 2 Samuel 11:13, Isaiah 5:22, 28:7, 56:12, Hosea 4:11, 7:5, 1 Corinthians 6:10, Galatians 5:21, Ephesians 5:18 +5

2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul. Kingdom: Proverbs 19:12, 1 Kings 2:23. Sin: Proverbs 8:36. Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 10:4, Hosea 11:10

3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. Parallel theme: Proverbs 14:29, 16:32, 17:14, 18:6, 19:11, James 4:1

4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. Parallel theme: Proverbs 10:4, 13:4, 19:15, 19:24, 24:34

5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. Parallel theme: Proverbs 18:4, Psalms 64:6, 1 Corinthians 2:11

6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? Faith: Psalms 12:1, Luke 18:8. Parallel theme: Proverbs 25:14, 27:2, Jeremiah 5:1, Matthew 6:2, Luke 18:11, 22:33 +3

7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. Blessing: Psalms 37:26, 112:2. Righteousness: Proverbs 13:22. Parallel theme: Proverbs 14:2, 19:1, Genesis 17:7, Psalms 26:1, Jeremiah 32:39, Acts 2:39, 2 Corinthians 1:12 +5

8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes. Kingdom: Proverbs 16:12, 20:26, 25:5. Judgment: Proverbs 29:14, Psalms 72:4, 99:4, Isaiah 32:1. Parallel theme: 2 Samuel 23:4, Psalms 92:9 +4

9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sinSin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah). The Hebrew chatta'ah (חַטָּאת) means sin—missing the mark of God's standard. It encompasses rebellion, transgression, and falling short of divine holiness.? Sin: 1 Kings 8:46, Ecclesiastes 7:20. Parallel theme: Job 14:4, 15:14, 25:4, 1 Corinthians 4:4, James 3:2 +2

10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty.. References Lord: Proverbs 11:1, 20:23

11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. Parallel theme: Proverbs 21:8, Psalms 58:3, Matthew 7:16

12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them. Creation: Exodus 4:11. Parallel theme: Psalms 94:9, 119:18, Acts 26:18

13 LoveLove: אַהֲבָה / חֶסֶד (Ahavah / Chesed). Hebrew uses ahavah (אַהֲבָה) for love generally, but the covenant term chesed (חֶסֶד) describes God's steadfast, loyal love—faithful covenant commitment beyond mere emotion. not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. Parallel theme: Proverbs 10:4, 12:11, 13:4, 19:15, Jonah 1:6, Romans 12:11, 13:11, 1 Corinthians 15:34, Ephesians 5:14, 2 Thessalonians 3:10 +5

14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth. Parallel theme: 1 Thessalonians 4:6

15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. Parallel theme: Proverbs 8:11, 15:7, 16:16, 16:24, 25:12

16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. Parallel theme: Proverbs 11:15, 27:13

17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 11:9, Hebrews 11:25

18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war. Parallel theme: Proverbs 11:14, 15:22, 24:6, Judges 20:7, 20:18, Luke 14:31

19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. Parallel theme: Proverbs 11:13, 13:3, 16:29, 18:8, 24:21, Leviticus 19:16, Romans 16:18 +2

20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. Curse: Proverbs 30:11, Exodus 21:17, Leviticus 20:9, Matthew 15:4. Darkness: Jude 1:13. Parallel theme: Proverbs 13:9, 24:20, 30:17, Exodus 20:12, Matthew 25:8 +5

21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed. Blessing: Proverbs 28:20. Parallel theme: Proverbs 13:22, 23:4, 28:8, 28:22, Habakkuk 2:6, 1 Timothy 6:9 +2

22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall saveSave: יָשַׁע (Yasha). The Hebrew yasha (יָשַׁע) means to save or deliver—rescue from danger or distress. This is the root of 'Jesus' (Yeshua), meaning 'YHWH saves.' God alone is Savior: 'I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour' (Isaiah 43:11). thee. References Lord: 2 Samuel 16:12, Psalms 27:14. Evil: Proverbs 17:13, Matthew 5:39, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, 1 Peter 2:23, 3:9. Parallel theme: Proverbs 24:29, Deuteronomy 32:35, 1 Peter 4:19 +5

23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty.; and a false balance is not good. References Lord: Proverbs 11:1, 20:10. Parallel theme: Ezekiel 45:10, Hosea 12:7

24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way? References Lord: Proverbs 16:9, Psalms 25:4, 25:12, 37:23, Jeremiah 10:23, Daniel 5:23. Parallel theme: Proverbs 14:8, Acts 17:28 +3

25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holyHoly: קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh). The Hebrew qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means holy or set apart—separated from common use for God's purposes. God is 'the Holy One of Israel,' utterly distinct from creation in moral perfection., and after vows to make enquiry. Holy: Leviticus 5:15. Parallel theme: Matthew 5:33

26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them. Kingdom: Proverbs 20:8

27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. References Lord: Genesis 2:7. Spirit: Job 32:8, 1 Corinthians 2:11. Parallel theme: Proverbs 20:30, Romans 2:15

28 MercyMercy: רַחֲמִים (Rachamim). The Hebrew rachamim (רַחֲמִים) derives from 'womb' (rechem), suggesting tender, maternal compassion. God's mercies are 'new every morning' (Lamentations 3:23), showing His compassionate nature. and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy. Kingdom: Proverbs 16:12, 29:14. Grace: Proverbs 16:6, Psalms 21:7, 101:1. Parallel theme: Psalms 26:1

29 The gloryGlory: כָּבוֹד (Kavod). The Hebrew kavod (כָּבוֹד) literally means 'weight' or 'heaviness,' metaphorically denoting glory, honor, or majesty. God's glory (Shekinah) filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34) and temple (1 Kings 8:11). of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head. Glory: Proverbs 16:31. Parallel theme: Leviticus 19:32, 1 John 2:14

30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly. Parallel theme: Proverbs 19:25, 22:15, Hebrews 12:10