Proverbs 20 - Meaning, Themes & Application

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.

Proverbs 20:2 warns that angering powerful people is dangerous, like provoking a roaring lion. It means respect authority and avoid reckless defiance that can bring …

It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

Proverbs 20:5 means people often carry deep thoughts, motives, and struggles inside, like water in a deep well. They don’t always show them. A “man …

Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

Proverbs 20:7 means a person who consistently does what’s right positively shapes their family’s future. When a parent is honest at work, keeps promises at …

A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

Proverbs 20:9 means no one can honestly claim to be completely pure or without sin. We all mess up in thoughts, words, and actions. This …

Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

Proverbs 20:11 means people are recognized by what they consistently do, not by what they say or how old they are. Even children show their …

The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.

Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

Proverbs 20:13 warns against laziness and wasting time. “Loving sleep” means avoiding work and responsibility, which can lead to financial struggle. “Open your eyes” means …

It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

Proverbs 20:15 means that wise, truthful words are more valuable than money or expensive jewelry. God is saying that good advice and honest guidance can …

Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

Proverbs 20:18 means important plans should be made with wise advice, not on impulse. Just like a king shouldn’t rush into war without careful counsel, …

He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

Proverbs 20:21 means that getting money, property, or success too quickly—through greed, shortcuts, or impatience—often leads to trouble later. It warns against rushing careers, chasing …

Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

Proverbs 20:27 means God uses our inner spirit and conscience like a flashlight, shining into our thoughts, motives, and hidden attitudes. He sees what others …

Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

Proverbs 20:28 means leaders stay strong and respected when they are honest and kind. Mercy keeps them from being harsh; truth keeps them from being …

The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

Proverbs 20:29 means God values different seasons of life for different strengths. Youth is marked by energy and physical ability, while older age is honored …

The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.