Proverbs 20 Commentary: Wisdom for Living with Integrity
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
Proverbs 20, nestled within the collection of wise sayings from Proverbs 10 to 22, delves into various aspects of life, highlighting the pitfalls that await the unwise and offering guidance for those who seek a life of integrity. This chapter, attributed primarily to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1), emphasizes the importance of wisdom in navigating relationships, finances, and personal conduct. Let's explore the timeless truths embedded in these verses, understanding their relevance for us today.
Avoiding the Trap of Intoxication (Proverbs 20:1)
Proverbs 20:1 warns, "Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This verse doesn't necessarily condemn all alcohol consumption, as wine was often part of celebrations in both the Old and New Testaments. Instead, it cautions against the dangers of drunkenness and losing control. Like 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, wise people should avoid being controlled by anything. Alcohol can dull the senses, leading to foolish decisions and regrettable actions. The Bible soundly condemns drunkenness. The staggering statistics surrounding alcoholism and drunk driving are sufficient reasons to be cautious of it.
Wisdom in Dealing with Authority and Conflict (Proverbs 20:2-3)
While Proverbs 20:2 is a reference to Proverbs 19:12, Proverbs 20:3 highlights the value of avoiding unnecessary conflict: "It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel." Those who avoid conflict will have a better reputation than those who are constantly involved in scandal and controversy.
Diligence and Integrity: Keys to Success (Proverbs 20:4-7)
Proverbs 20:4 references Proverbs 10:4-5 and 26:13-16. Proverbs 20:7 reminds us that "The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him." A righteous man blesses his children by acting with integrity. Choices you make every day—both small and large—affect your kids. What legacy do you want to leave them?
The Purity of Heart and the Pursuit of Wisdom (Proverbs 20:9-11)
Proverbs 20:9 poses the rhetorical question, "Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean from my sin'?" This serves as a reminder that the exhortations in Proverbs regarding righteousness are not blind to the reality of human sinfulness. Ultimately, no one is righteous but one (see Luke 18:19; Romans 3:10). But by trusting in the righteousness of Jesus Christ and being led by the Holy Spirit, we can pursue lives in alignment with God’s standards.
Parents need to convince their teenagers that wisdom is something to pursue now—not once they become adults, for even a young man is known by his actions (Proverbs 20:11). Your reputation doesn’t wait to develop until you reach a certain age; it is cultivated over time.
Using Our Senses and Discernment (Proverbs 20:12-14)
God has given you a hearing ear and a seeing eye—the ability to observe the world and grow in wisdom (Proverbs 20:12), so use Proverbs’ observations about how the world works and the influence of the Holy Spirit to help you make sensible decisions.
The Deceptive Nature of Sin and the Importance of Planning (Proverbs 20:17-18)
Sin never delivers what it promises (Proverbs 20:17). A little taste of it seems sweet, but indulging in it always leads to self-destruction.
An old saying warns, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Don’t engage in an activity, then, without doing wise planning by obtaining sound guidance (Proverbs 20:18). If you seek no advice but your own, the results will be as limited as the input.
Trusting God's Justice and Avoiding Vengeance (Proverbs 20:22)
Don’t seek vengeance when you are wronged (Proverbs 20:22). Trust in the one who sees all, knows all, and can do all to rescue you. Moses and Paul agree that the best course of action is leaving vengeance in the hands of God (see Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19).
The Lamp of the Lord and the Human Spirit (Proverbs 20:27)
The LORD’S lamp sheds light on a person’s life, searching the innermost parts (Proverbs 20:27). God uses his Holy Spirit and our own spirits to show us his will. The Holy Spirit illumines our spiritual eyes so we begin to see our circumstances through God’s perspective. It’s why your spirit needs to stay closely linked with the Holy Spirit.
The Role of Government and Justice (Proverbs 20:30)
Governments are ordained by God to punish criminals (see Romans 13:4). Just rulers therefore protect their citizens and chastise wrongdoers (Proverbs 20:30).
Proverbs 20 offers a wealth of practical wisdom, encouraging us to live with integrity, diligence, and a constant awareness of God's presence. By heeding these timeless principles, we can navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and discernment, leaving a positive legacy for generations to come.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
Proverbs 20, nestled within the collection of wise sayings from Proverbs 10 to 22, delves into various aspects of life, highlighting the pitfalls that await the unwise and offering guidance for those who seek a life of integrity. This chapter, attributed primarily to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1), emphasizes the importance of wisdom in navigating relationships, finances, and personal conduct. Let's explore the timeless truths embedded in these verses, understanding their relevance for us today.
Avoiding the Trap of Intoxication (Proverbs 20:1)
Proverbs 20:1 warns, "Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This verse doesn't necessarily condemn all alcohol consumption, as wine was often part of celebrations in both the Old and New Testaments. Instead, it cautions against the dangers of drunkenness and losing control. Like 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, wise people should avoid being controlled by anything. Alcohol can dull the senses, leading to foolish decisions and regrettable actions. The Bible soundly condemns drunkenness. The staggering statistics surrounding alcoholism and drunk driving are sufficient reasons to be cautious of it.
Wisdom in Dealing with Authority and Conflict (Proverbs 20:2-3)
While Proverbs 20:2 is a reference to Proverbs 19:12, Proverbs 20:3 highlights the value of avoiding unnecessary conflict: "It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel." Those who avoid conflict will have a better reputation than those who are constantly involved in scandal and controversy.
Diligence and Integrity: Keys to Success (Proverbs 20:4-7)
Proverbs 20:4 references Proverbs 10:4-5 and 26:13-16. Proverbs 20:7 reminds us that "The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him." A righteous man blesses his children by acting with integrity. Choices you make every day—both small and large—affect your kids. What legacy do you want to leave them?
The Purity of Heart and the Pursuit of Wisdom (Proverbs 20:9-11)
Proverbs 20:9 poses the rhetorical question, "Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean from my sin'?" This serves as a reminder that the exhortations in Proverbs regarding righteousness are not blind to the reality of human sinfulness. Ultimately, no one is righteous but one (see Luke 18:19; Romans 3:10). But by trusting in the righteousness of Jesus Christ and being led by the Holy Spirit, we can pursue lives in alignment with God’s standards.
Parents need to convince their teenagers that wisdom is something to pursue now—not once they become adults, for even a young man is known by his actions (Proverbs 20:11). Your reputation doesn’t wait to develop until you reach a certain age; it is cultivated over time.
Using Our Senses and Discernment (Proverbs 20:12-14)
God has given you a hearing ear and a seeing eye—the ability to observe the world and grow in wisdom (Proverbs 20:12), so use Proverbs’ observations about how the world works and the influence of the Holy Spirit to help you make sensible decisions.
The Deceptive Nature of Sin and the Importance of Planning (Proverbs 20:17-18)
Sin never delivers what it promises (Proverbs 20:17). A little taste of it seems sweet, but indulging in it always leads to self-destruction.
An old saying warns, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Don’t engage in an activity, then, without doing wise planning by obtaining sound guidance (Proverbs 20:18). If you seek no advice but your own, the results will be as limited as the input.
Trusting God's Justice and Avoiding Vengeance (Proverbs 20:22)
Don’t seek vengeance when you are wronged (Proverbs 20:22). Trust in the one who sees all, knows all, and can do all to rescue you. Moses and Paul agree that the best course of action is leaving vengeance in the hands of God (see Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19).
The Lamp of the Lord and the Human Spirit (Proverbs 20:27)
The LORD’S lamp sheds light on a person’s life, searching the innermost parts (Proverbs 20:27). God uses his Holy Spirit and our own spirits to show us his will. The Holy Spirit illumines our spiritual eyes so we begin to see our circumstances through God’s perspective. It’s why your spirit needs to stay closely linked with the Holy Spirit.
The Role of Government and Justice (Proverbs 20:30)
Governments are ordained by God to punish criminals (see Romans 13:4). Just rulers therefore protect their citizens and chastise wrongdoers (Proverbs 20:30).
Proverbs 20 offers a wealth of practical wisdom, encouraging us to live with integrity, diligence, and a constant awareness of God's presence. By heeding these timeless principles, we can navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and discernment, leaving a positive legacy for generations to come.