Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 20:22 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for the LORD, and he will save you. "
Proverbs 20:22
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.
21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning won’t be blessed in the end.
22 Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for the LORD, and he will save you.
23 The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing.
24 A man’s steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way?
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People in this world should expect to face wrongs, insults, and trouble that comes to them unfairly, because we live among thorns and briars. This verse tells us what to do when someone has treated us badly.
First, we must not try to get even. We should not even think about revenge in our hearts. Do not tell yourself, “Someday I will pay him back.” Do not enjoy the idea of revenge, and do not plan it. This is especially important when the hurt is fresh and our anger is strongest. Never say you will do something that you cannot honestly pray for God to help you do.
Second, we must leave the matter with God. We should trust him to defend our cause, protect our rights, and deal with those who wrong us in his own way and at the right time. The verse does not tell us to demand punishment for the one who hurt us. Instead, it says that God will save us, and that is enough. He will keep us safe, so that forgiving one wrong will not, as people often fear, lead to more harm. He will also repay us with good, to make up for our trouble and strengthen our patience. David trusted God this way when Shimei cursed him (2 Samuel 16:12).
From This Chapter
Proverbs 20:1
"Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise."
Proverbs 20:2
"The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life."
Proverbs 20:3
"It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling."
Proverbs 20:4
"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall 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
"Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man?"
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