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: King James Version
" Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save "
Proverbs 20:22
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save
23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own 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).
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From This Chapter
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,"
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?"
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