Proverbs - Chapter 20

Proverbs 20.1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Proverbs 20.2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul. Proverbs 20.3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. Proverbs 20.4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. Proverbs 20.5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. Proverbs 20.6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? Proverbs 20.7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. Proverbs 20.8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes. Proverbs 20.9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? Proverbs 20.10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD. Proverbs 20.12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them. Proverbs 20.13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. Proverbs 20.14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth. Proverbs 20.15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. Proverbs 20.16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. Proverbs 20.17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. Proverbs 20.18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war. Proverbs 20.19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. Proverbs 20.20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. Proverbs 20.21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed. Proverbs 20.22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee. Proverbs 20.23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good. Proverbs 20.24 Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way? Proverbs 20.25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry. Proverbs 20.26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them. Proverbs 20.27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. Proverbs 20.28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy. Proverbs 20.29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head. Proverbs 20.30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

Proverbs : Chapter 20

Reflection on Proverbs Chapter 20

Proverbs chapter 20 invites us to reflect on discernment and justice. As Christians, how can we cultivate a wise and righteous character in our daily lives? This rich text addresses essential themes such as the dangers of dependency, the importance of honesty in business, and the value of wise counsel.

Warnings and Teachings

The chapter warns us against laziness, gossip, and revenge, while advocating integrity and fair judgment. Proverbs 20 emphasizes God's sovereignty over human actions and the need for regular self-examination. Let's explore together five key verses that capture the essence of this revealing chapter.

Five Key Verses

1 Peter 4:3-4: "For you have spent enough time in the past doing what the pagans love to do, in debauchery, sensuality, drunkenness, orgies, revelry, and filthy idolatry. They think it strange that you do not throw yourselves into the same torrent of immorality as they do, and that is why they revile you." This excerpt reflects the theme of Proverbs 20:1, warning of the dangers of wine and strong drink.

Matthew 7:1-2: "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For in the same way that ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with the measure that ye use, it shall be measured unto you." This passage refers to Proverbs 20:10, emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness.

1 Thessalonians 5:15: "See to it that no one repays evil for evil, but always be kind to one another and to everyone." This verse echoes Proverbs 20:22, which advises against personal revenge.

Luke 11:33: "No one lights a lamp and puts it in a secret place or under a bowl. Instead, put it in its proper place so that those who enter may see the light." This passage reflects the theme of Proverbs 20:27, emphasizing how the human spirit is the lamp of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:1-3: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother,' is the first commandment with a promise: 'that it may go well with you and that you may live long on the earth.'" This excerpt refers to Proverbs 20:20, which emphasizes the importance of honoring parents.

Conclusion

As we meditate on these verses, we are called to live in accordance with the principles of wisdom and justice that God teaches us through Proverbs. May we always seek to act with integrity, exercise discernment, and honor our commitments to others.