Proverbs 20:22
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
אֲשַׁלְּמָה
not thou I will recompense
H7999
אֲשַׁלְּמָה
not thou I will recompense
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
3 of 8
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
קַוֵּ֥ה
but wait on
H6960
קַוֵּ֥ה
but wait on
Strong's:
H6960
Word #:
5 of 8
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
לַֽ֝יהוָ֗ה
the LORD
H3068
לַֽ֝יהוָ֗ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 5:15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.Proverbs 24:29Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.Proverbs 17:13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.1 Peter 3:9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.Deuteronomy 32:35To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.1 Peter 2:23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:Matthew 5:39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.1 Peter 4:19Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.Psalms 27:14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.2 Samuel 16:12It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.
Historical Context
The lex talionis (eye for eye) in Mosaic law established proportional justice while limiting personal vengeance. This proverb goes further, calling for patience rather than even legal retaliation.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you harboring desires for revenge, or have you entrusted justice to God?
- How does trusting God's ultimate justice free you from bitterness?
Analysis & 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.