Proverbs 20:6
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
Original Language Analysis
אָדָ֗ם
men
H120
אָדָ֗ם
men
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 9
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
יִ֭קְרָא
will proclaim
H7121
יִ֭קְרָא
will proclaim
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 9
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וְאִ֥ישׁ
every one
H376
וְאִ֥ישׁ
every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 9
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
חַסְדּ֑וֹ
his own goodness
H2617
חַסְדּ֑וֹ
his own goodness
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
5 of 9
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
וְאִ֥ישׁ
every one
H376
וְאִ֥ישׁ
every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 9
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֱ֝מוּנִ֗ים
but a faithful
H529
אֱ֝מוּנִ֗ים
but a faithful
Strong's:
H529
Word #:
7 of 9
established, i.e., (figuratively) trusty; also (abstractly) trustworthiness
Cross References
Psalms 12:1Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.Matthew 6:2Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.Luke 18:8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?Proverbs 25:14Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.Proverbs 27:2Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.Luke 18:11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.Luke 22:33And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.Jeremiah 5:1Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it.
Historical Context
In ancient commercial and social relationships, personal reputation was essential. Many made claims about their trustworthiness, but actual faithfulness in business dealings, friendships, and covenants was rare and precious.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you focus on proclaiming your faithfulness or on demonstrating it through action?
- How has your faithfulness been tested and proven over time?
- In what areas might you be guilty of self-promotion rather than quiet, faithful service?
Analysis & 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.