Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 20:26 - 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
" A wise king winnows out the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them. "
Proverbs 20:26
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
24 A man’s steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way?
25 It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, then later to consider his vows.
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 The spirit of man is the LORD’s lamp, searching all his innermost parts.
28 Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love.
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See here what magistrates, that is, public rulers and judges, are meant to do. They are to be a terror to evil-doers. They must break up the wicked, who often join together in alliances to help and encourage one another in doing harm. This can be done only by bringing the wheel over them, that is, by enforcing the law against them, crushing their power, and stopping their plans. At times, strong measures are needed to clear the land of people who are openly sinful and harmful, corrupting others as well as themselves.
See also what kind of magistrates are needed for this work. They must be both godly and wise. It is the wise king, one who is both religious and careful in judgment, who is most likely to suppress evil and improve the morals of the people.
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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