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, "

" 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 "

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 "

" 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 "

" 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 "

" 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. "