Proverbs 19:1 ¶ Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
Solomon is saying that it is better to be honest and poor than it is to be a pompous, outspoken rich fool (one that has no respect for God).
Guzik quoting Bridges: “Often men put under their feet those whom God carries in his heart. Man honors the perverse for their riches and despises the poor because of their poverty.”
Proverbs 19:2 ¶ Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
Two things are identified as not good: 1) To lack knowledge and 2) to be quick to choose to sin. Lack of knowledge (ignorance) is a springboard for hasting to sin.
Clarke: “A child does nothing cautiously, because it is uninstructed; a savage is also rash and precipitate, till experience instructs him. A man who has not the knowledge of God is incautious, rash, headstrong, and precipitate: and hence he sinneth - he is continually missing the mark, and wounding his own soul.”
Proverbs 19:3 ¶ The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
I think the NLT states it well: “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD. “
This principle is so evident in our society. Bad things happen, and people always want to blame God for it rather than placing the responsibility where it properly belongs—on sin, sinners and/or self. It is because of sin that we do not live in a perfect world. Sin introduced the process of decay and deterioration in creation. People who choose to yield to their sin nature (because they have rejected God) are the perpetrators of bad things.
Proverbs 19:4 ¶ Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his
neighbour.
People who are rich have no lack of friends. Why? Primarily because people want to benefit from their relationship with them. The poor man has a hard time finding friends primarily because there is no seeming benefit to associating with him.
As Christians, we should mirror God’s heart for those who are poor; we should be compassionate and merciful, ready to lend a helping hand.
Leviticus 25:35 “And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.”
Deuteronomy 15:7–8 “If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.”
Deuteronomy 15:11 “For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.”
Psalm 41:1 “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.”
Proverbs 14:31 “He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.”
Zechariah 7:9–10 “Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.”
Proverbs 19:5 ¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
A person that gives false testimony and tells lies will not go unpunished before the LORD. They may appear to be getting away with their wickedness in the here and now, but they won’t. As recorded in Psalm 73, Asaph struggled with this very thing (the wicked prospering) until he realized what their end would be.
Psalm 73:17–19 “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.”
Proverbs 19:6 ¶ Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
“Prince” is a reference to one of nobility and influence. There are many that beg for help from such people. And it is true that people like to receive gifts and look favorably upon those that gift them. Maybe the inference in this proverb is that the people who seek the favor of the person with power and influence often do so by giving them gifts.
Proverbs 19:7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
Again—we have to remember that this is a general statement. The relatives of a poor man are likely to try to avoid him, so it’s not likely that he will be able to make friends of those that aren’t of his family. No matter how many overtures he makes to them, they ignore him.
Proverbs 19:8 ¶ He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
The person that treasures his life seeks wisdom, understanding and discernment; such a person will find favor, pleasure and prosperity. Again, this is always true before the LORD because the wise person is seeking such wisdom in accordance with God’s word. It is not always true, however, before men because they have rejected the LORD and are prone to disrespect those that do.
Proverbs 19:9 ¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
This verse is basically the same as verse 5. The difference is in the ending. By specifically stating that the liar will perish reinforces the comments made pertaining to Asaph at verse 5. I am reminded that the LORD hates lying and scripture is specific concerning the fate of liars.
Proverbs 6:16–17 “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue,”
Revelation 21:8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Proverbs 19:10 ¶ Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
The Hebrew defines “delight” as luxury and pleasantness. “Seemly” refers to being fitting or suitable. So Solomon is saying it doesn’t seem right for a fool to live in luxury or for a slave to rule over leaders.
EBC Abridged: “In these reversals the fool only makes worse his bad qualities—boorishness, insensitivity, and lack of discipline—and the slave becomes arrogant and cruel.”
Proverbs 19:11 ¶ The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
“Discretion” is a reference to wisdom and good sense. A person that is wise and sensible will choose patience over anger and acts with honor when willing to overlook a wrong done to him.
We who are Christians have the example of Jesus to follow. The fact that we have been forgiven so much at such great price should make us more merciful and patient toward others.
Proverbs 19:12 ¶ The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
My paraphrase: The king’s wrath is to be feared, but his favor is a blessing. Principle: Don’t do anything to incur the king’s wrath; treat him with respect and honor.
Proverbs 19:13 ¶ A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
A foolish son (ungodly) causes his father (godly) great misery, sometimes leading to ruin. A wife that is always causing strife is as annoying as a leaking roof and its continual dripping. The focus in this verse is on a man that is cursed with an unhappy home.
Guzik: “A wife who often contends (fights, argues) with her husband is like a continual dripping in at least three ways.
It is an always-present annoyance and trouble.
It wastes and destroys, eroding good and valuable things.
It points to some underlying, more basic problem.
Ironside: “How unhappy the home where both a foolish son and a contentious wife are found! They are very likely to be found together; for where the wife disputes her husband’s authority, siding with the children in opposition to his proper discipline, the effect on the home will be anything but good.”
Proverbs 19:14 ¶ House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
This verse draws a contrast to the last part of the previous verse. A man can inherit a house or wealth from his parents (or other relatives); but an intelligent, wise wife is a gift from the LORD. She is a source of happiness and comfort to her husband as she takes care of home and family.
Trapp: “Nature makes a woman, election a wife; but to be prudent, wise, and virtuous is of the Lord. A good wife was one of the first real and royal gifts bestowed on Adam.”
Proverbs 19:15 ¶ Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
One who is slothful or lazy is lethargic, like one who is in a trance; such a person will end up going hungry, being poor.
Ironside: “Laziness is trifling away opportunities that will never return. It is failing to appreciate the value of time.”
Henry: “Slothful people doze away their time, bury their talents, live a useless life, and are the unprofitable burdens of the earth; for any service they do when they are awake they might as well be always asleep.”
Proverbs 19:16 ¶ He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
God gave His commandments to provide for man’s benefit and safety. To keep the LORD’s commandments is to safeguard one’s life and soul. The first commandment is to honor the LORD; it is key to being able to keep the following commandments. Those that seek to honor the LORD in faith and obedience have secured their eternal future in His presence. When you honor the LORD, you will also honor the authorities He has placed over you—especially your parents.
Proverbs 19:17 ¶ He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
This is yet another statement of the LORD’s regard for those that are poor. The comments I made on verse 4 also apply here. What is added in this verse is that the LORD will reward you for your charity towards the poor.
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
Luke 14:13–14 “But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.”
1 John 3:17–18 “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
Proverbs 19:18 ¶ Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
In other words, discipline and correct your child while he is young and more teachable, and don’t let his crying sway you not to discipline him and let him get away with his sin.
Though more easily understood by the farmer, the truth of this comment by Henry is right on target. “It is easiest plucking up weeds as soon as they spring up, and the bullock that is designed for the yoke should be betimes accustomed to it.” And another: “It is better that he should cry under thy rod than under the sword of the magistrate, or, which is more fearful, that of divine vengeance.”
Ironside: ““The iron hand in the velvet glove” has long been the symbol of strict discipline administered in grace. To leave a child to himself is to display a cruel indifference to the fate of one committed to our care. To be heartless and unnecessarily severe in correcting him is the opposite extreme.”
Proverbs 19:19 ¶ A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
As I read through the different translations, Solomon seems to be saying that if a man that acts with great anger and rage is not punished and held accountable for his actions, it is highly unlikely that he will change his ways. Thankfully, we know that God can bring even the most ungodly to their knees before him in faith and repentance, e.g., King Manasseh.
2 Kings 21:11–12 “Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols: Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle.”
2 Chronicles 33:11–13 “Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.”
Proverbs 19:20 ¶ Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
The person that is willing to hear counsel and instruction with discernment and a desire to obey will prove wise in later years. We know that in context Solomon is referring to counsel and instruction based on the word of God.
Proverbs 19:21 ¶ There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
The Hebrew for “devices” makes references to thoughts, plans and purposes. Solomon is saying that despite the thoughts, plans and purposes of any person, the LORD’s plans and purposes will prevail in the end.
Ironside: “How vain the man who would dare to set himself in opposition to God’s wisdom and authority. Happy is he who, waiting on God for instruction, obeys implicitly His counsel, and therefore works for and with Him.”
Henry: “What comfort does this speak to all God's people, that all God's purposes, which we are sure are right and good, shall be accomplished in due time!”
Proverbs 19:22 ¶ The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
Well, the various translations are certainly different on this verse. The Hebrew for “desire” includes a longing, satisfaction, greed and lust. “Kindness” makes reference to piety towards God, mercy, pity, reproach and (rarely) reproof. As I look at these definitions and try to put myself in Solomon’s shoes, I think he might be saying that a person’s desires are a mercy in that they help him identify whether he is acting with piety towards God or is deserving of reproach.
The last part of the verse seems disconnected to the first. Solomon is saying that it is better to be poor than to be a rich liar. Maybe the connection is to the fact that one’s desires can lead one to lie (cheat or steal) to become rich to attain what they want, but they are better off to remain poor and obedient to the LORD.
Ironside offers another perspective: “It is far better to be poor and frankly admit one’s inability to do what the heart might desire, than to promise largely and be proven untrustworthy. To be what you are, and not to pretend to be what you are not, is a sound principle.”
Proverbs 19:23 ¶ The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
Another general truth. One who fears and reverences the LORD and seeks to obey His word is more likely to live a life of contentment and security. Obviously, there are many in this world that the LORD allows to suffer persecution from the spiritual forces of evil; however, He promises to accomplish good through all that He allows to touch the lives of those that love Him. In the end, such a person will live a life of abundance, contentment and joy in the presence of the LORD for eternity. Anything we are allowed to suffer here will seem like nothing in comparison to the joy and wonders that await the child of God in eternity.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Proverbs 19:24 ¶ A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
“Bosom” in the Hebrew also refers to a dish. The NLT is quite clear: “Some people are so lazy that they won’t even lift a finger to feed themselves.”
Henry: “If the law be so that those that will not labour must not eat, he will rather starve than stir.”
Ironside makes a great application: “The Word of God is a feast for the soul. Unfortunately, many sluggards, with abundant opportunity to feed on its precious wisdom, are too indifferent to search and find its treasures for themselves.”
Proverbs 19:25 ¶ Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
Solomon seems to be identifying the scorner (scoffer, mocker) with the simple (silly, foolish)—both of which have been identified throughout this book with those that have no fear or reverence of God. He seems to be saying that such a person responds to corporal punishment by acting even worse. However, the person that has understanding (discernment, intelligence) and reverences the LORD is wise. Such a person only needs reproof or rebuke to produce change.
Some commentators see three types of people in this verse—the scorner, the simple and the wise. In that case, they see the simple as benefitting from the punishment of the scorner.
Proverbs 19:26 ¶ He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
“wasteth” = to ravage, oppress, rob, spoil, lay waste
The LORD commanded that one should honor his/her father and mother.
Exodus 20:12 “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
A son (or daughter) that mistreats his parents causes them shame and disappointment—and I would add great sorrow.
Proverbs 19:27 ¶ Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
Refusal to listen to wise instruction leads one to sin, to err from the words of knowledge—God’s word. You have to be knowledgeable of God’s word to learn what He expects of you.
Ironside: “Remember that what is opposed to the teaching of the unerring Word of God is directly from Satan. To dabble with it is to expose yourself to its powerful influence.”
Henry: “There is that which seems designed for instruction, but really tends to the destruction of young men. The factors for vice will undertake to teach them free thoughts and a fashionable conversation, how to palliate the sins they have a mind to and stop the mouth of their own consciences, how to get clear of the restraints of their education.” (Obviously, this applies to young women as well.)
Proverbs 19:28 ¶ An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
I liked the NLT: “A corrupt witness makes a mockery of justice; the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.” That is pretty self-explanatory and is sadly more and more in evidence in our courts and our culture today—not only in America, but throughout the world. We certainly live in the perilous times of which Paul warned Timothy.
1 Timothy 4:1–2 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron….”
2 Timothy 3:1–4 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God….”
Proverbs 19:29 ¶ Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
This is yet another general truth that assumes godly government. Again, scorners and fools refer to those that have no reverence for God. Justice requires that such be punished and held accountable for their wickedness. When the judicial system is administered by those who are themselves scorners and fools, justice is not to be found. Though they may seem to be getting away with their wickedness, the day is coming when the Righteous Judge will bring about justice and make all things right.
Romans 2:11–16 “For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law…. In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”
Revelation 20:11–12 “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
Thankfully, those that honor the LORD and follow Him in faith are not judged by our works according to the law. We stand before the Father justified (just as if I’d never sinned) in Jesus.
Galatians 2:16 “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
Proverbs 20:1 ¶ Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Solomon is teaching his sons that wine (made from the fruit of the vine) leads to an uncontrolled tongue and strong drink (made from grains) leads to anger and trouble. Anyone that thinks differently is not wise. He goes on to add further warnings in later chapters.
Proverbs 23:20–21 “Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”
Proverbs 23:29–32 “Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.”
Proverbs 31:4–7 “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.”
Ironside: “Wine has its place. Scripture recognizes its medicinal virtue and a lawful use of it when needed. But how easily it becomes a snare that destroys the will and wrecks the life.”
1 Timothy 5:23 “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.”
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.
I like the NLT: “The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar; to rouse his anger is to risk your life.”
Technically, it is not wise to anger anyone in authority over you. Not everyone has the authority to take your life, but they can sure make life miserable for you.
Henry: “Those princes that rule by wisdom and love rule like God himself, and bear his image; but those that rule merely by terror, and with a high hand, do but rule like a lion in the forest, with a brutal power.”
Proverbs 20:3 ¶ It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
Again, I like the NLT: “Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.”
There are always times in life when following this principle is easier than at other times. Personally, I have a much harder time controlling anger when it involves perceived wrongdoing or injustice to those I love.
Proverbs 20:4 ¶ The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
The sluggard is reference to one who is lazy. One who is lazy will latch on to any excuse not to work—even if such choice affects his well being negatively. In this instance, the lazy person refuses to plant because it is a bit cold; therefore, he will have no harvest to reap.
MacDonald: “Plowing time in Israel is in November and December, when the wind commonly blows from the North.” (the time when one should be plowing in preparation for planting)
Proverbs 20:5 ¶ Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
The Hebrew for “counsel” makes reference to advice, plans and purpose. “Deep water” seems to be comparing such counsel to a spring of water from the ground. It seems to be saying that there is an abundant supply. Implication seems to be that the wise man is hoping to help someone by drawing out and identifying the motives and intents in his heart. It could also make reference to one who seeks wisdom from one who is reticent to share without being specifically sought out.
Proverbs 20:6 ¶ Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
My paraphrase: Men are often quick to identify themselves as kind and merciful, but not many live up to that identity.
It is truly a special blessing in this life to have one or two truly faithful (trustworthy) friends.
Guzik: “A faithful man doesn’t want or need to proclaim his own goodness. The quiet satisfaction of faithfulness to God and man is enough.”
MacDonald: “There is a difference between what men are, and what they want others to think they are. It is the difference between ‘Person’ and ‘Personality.’”
Proverbs 20:7 ¶ The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
Integrity makes reference to moral innocence and honesty; the just person is one that lives his life accordingly. The children of such a person is blessed by the example of his wisdom and the blessings that are the fruit of such a lifestyle.
We inherit things from our parents due to genetics, but we also inherit much from their example.
Proverbs 20:8 ¶ A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
Again, I like the NLT: “When a king judges, he carefully weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good.”
Obviously, this would reference a good king, a king that wants to honor God. How sad it is that so many in the world today with the authority to judge others do not use wise discernment because they do not honor God.
Proverbs 20:9 ¶ Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
This verse is basically a rhetorical question. Scripture is clear that there is no one without sin.
Psalm 14:3 “…there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”
Ecclesiastes 7:20 “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”
Romans 3:10 & 23 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one….For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God….”
Only Jesus lived as the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.
Hebrews 4:14–15 “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
1 Peter 2:21–22 “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth….”
Only the blood of Jesus can make us clean and righteous before God.
1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
Proverbs 20:10 ¶ Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.
Just and consistent weights and measures were and are essential to conducting honest business. The LORD hates the use of false weights and measures. No person that truly honors God would employ such a practice in their business. In fact, no person that truly honors God would use dishonest business practices of any kind.
Proverbs 20:11 ¶ Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
Principle: Our actions prove our character. Every person’s character, be it child or adult, is evidenced by his/her actions. To be pure is to be morally clean. To be right is to be straight and righteous, to be in alignment with God’s law.
Proverbs 20:12 ¶ The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
This seems like such an obvious statement for Solomon to make. I think he is trying to impress upon his sons that since the LORD made our ears to hear and our eyes to see, we should use them to honor Him and learn the truth of His word as we seek wisdom concerning how to navigate life. We should use our ears to listen with the purpose of learning obedience and our eyes to help us be discerning and appreciate the beauty of creation.
Proverbs 20:13 ¶ Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
I think Solomon is equating the person who loves sleep with one who is lazy. Such a person will end up in poverty because of his laziness. I think he is equating the person who is ready to get up and face the day with one who will not lack what he needs because he is willing to work for it.
Clarke: "Sleep, indescribable in its nature, is an indescribable blessing; but how often is it turned into a curse! It is like food; a certain measure of it restores and invigorates exhausted nature; more than that oppresses and destroys life.”
Proverbs 20:14 ¶ It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
I think the NLT expresses it well: “The buyer haggles over the price, saying, ‘It’s worthless,’ then brags about getting a bargain!”
Guzik: “This proverb reminds us that what people say isn’t always what they believe, and people will speak falsehood for their own advantage.”
EBC Abridged: “This may simply reflect normal procedure in a world where haggling for prices was common, but it may also be a warning to the inexperienced on how things are done; it possibly also evaluates this procedure as a questionable business practice. Shrewdness is one thing, but deceitful misrepresentation in order to buy under value becomes unethical.”
Proverbs 20:15 ¶ There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
Solomon seems to be saying that a person that speaks with knowledge and truth is much rarer and more valuable than precious metal and gemstones. I am reminded of how common silver was and how abundant gold was in the days of Solomon.
1 Kings 10:21 & 23 “And all king Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon….So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.”
Proverbs 20:16 ¶ Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
The garment being referenced was like an earnest payment for what was yet due. The law declared that you were not to keep the garment of a man to which you had made a loan.
Exodus 22:26–27 “If thou at all take thy neighbour’s raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down: For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep?”
It seems that this law did not apply to one who had chosen to borrow money to lend to a “strange woman,” a reference to an adulterous woman or a foreigner (someone whose character was unknown).
Proverbs 20:17 ¶ Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
Stolen bread may taste sweet at first, but it will soon leave a terrible aftertaste. This is true of anything that is stolen.
Proverbs 20:18 ¶ Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
The CJB makes the connection between the two statements a bit clearer: “After consultation, plans succeed; so take wise advice when waging war.”
Guzik: “Wise counsel is even more important when great matters are involved, such as life and death matters such as war. By spiritual analogy, we can also say that we can only wage the spiritual warfare we must fight as believers with the wise counsel of God’s word and other believers.”
Clarke: "Most of the wars that are undertaken are wars of injustice, ambition, aggrandizement, and caprice, which can have had no previous good counsel.”
Henry: “It is especially our wisdom to be cautious in making war. Consider, and take advice, whether the war should be begun or no, whether it be just, whether it be prudent, whether we be a match for the enemy, and able to carry it on when it is too late to retreat; and, when it is begun, consider how and by what arts it may be prosecuted, for management is as necessary as courage.”
Proverbs 20:19 ¶ He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
A talebearer or gossip is one who reveals secrets. A person that talks a lot to you using flattery is one to be avoided because he/she is likely a gossip.
Guzik: “There are certainly some things that should be revealed (Ephesians 5:11), but many things should be concealed out of love (1Peter 4:8). Wisdom will know which is approach is appropriate in each situation.”
Ephesians 5:11 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
1 Peter 4:8 “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
Proverbs 20:20 ¶ Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
The Hebrew for “curseth” makes reference to treating them with contempt and with light esteem. Solomon is basically saying that one should not dishonor one’s parents. To put out one’s lamp is a reference death, to put out the light of life. This proverb is basically a restatement of the law God established to govern the Israelites.
Exodus 21:17 “And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.”
Matthew 15:4 “For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.”
Obviously, we do not live under the law, but under grace. The law, however, gives us God’s heart in the matter as positively stated in the Ten Commandments and repeated in the New Testament.
Exodus 20:12 “Honour thy father and thy mother….”
Mark 10:18–19 “And Jesus said unto him….Thou knowest the commandments…Honour thy father and mother.”
Ephesians 6:2 “Honour thy father and mother….”
To disregard this commandment is to dishonor the LORD.
Proverbs 20:21 ¶ An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
I have to admit that this one is hard for me. It sounds like Solomon is saying that an inheritance that is given rashly and suddenly may seem like a blessing but will not prove to be so in the end. My mind goes to any person becoming suddenly in possession of more wealth than he/she has the knowledge and discernment to use wisely. A good example—the prodigal son (see Luke 15).
As I begin to look at the commentators, some seem to infer that the inheritance was obtained dishonestly. Ironside makes this comment: “They who set out with the determination to gather wealth at all cost will learn the bitter lesson that they have missed the true and lasting treasure which would have given heart-satisfaction and joy in its possession.”
I liked Garrett’s comment (as quoted by Guzik): “Easy money does not foster financial responsibility. The easily gained money is here not necessarily dishonestly gained, but even so, those who have amassed wealth slowly know better how to keep it.”
Proverbs 20:22 ¶ Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Simply put, vengeance belongs to the LORD. The word “save” includes the thought of avenging and getting the victory.
Romans 12:17-19 “Recompense to no man evil for evil….Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Ironside: “The person who admits that the Lord has allowed all circumstances for his good, then bows his head and bends before the blast, will find God ever ready to intervene at the needed moment. To look beyond the human instrument of our grief, however vindictive he may be, and to see all the purposes of our Father working out, gives rest and comfort to the sorely-tried soul.”
Clarke: “Wait on the Lord; judgment is his, and his judgments are sure. In the mean time pray for the conversion of your enemy.”
Proverbs 20:23 ¶ Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
This is a restatement of truth already presented in verse 10; several truths are repeated throughout the book of Proverbs. Principle: The LORD hates dishonesty in business.
Proverbs 20:24 ¶ Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
This verse appears to be saying that man is no more than a robot, and we know that is not the truth. The sovereignty of God and the God-given ability to make our own choices are often hard to reconcile. I believe the key to understanding is directly connected to God’s omniscience. Beyond that I claim the truth stated so clearly by Isaiah.
Isaiah 55:8–9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Proverbs 20:25 ¶ It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
“devoureth” = “to blurt or utter inconsiderately”
I liked the NLT translation: “It is dangerous to make a rash promise to God before counting the cost.”
Scripture is clear in stating that God expects us to keep our vows or promises to Him.
Numbers 30:2 “If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.”
Deuteronomy 23:21 “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.”
Proverbs 20:26 ¶ A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
Solomon is basically saying that a wise king will cast away or disperse the evil people in his kingdom. He compares it to crushing grain that has been harvested. I don’t think he is saying that the king should kill all the evil people. I think he advocates driving them away and protecting the righteous from them. A strong judicial system with effective deterrents would also be a part of that process. Sadly, I do not think we will ever see this type of government until Jesus takes the throne in the millennium.
Proverbs 20:27 ¶ The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
The spirit of a person is the true essence of a person—his intellect, his conscience, his divine connection to the LORD. It is the light of one’s true life before God. It is that part of our being that exposes our motives and true character. This reminds me of the truth so clearly stated in Romans that declares every person to be without excuse before God because of the conscience that He has placed in every person.
Romans 1:19–20 “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”
Proverbs 20:28 ¶ Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
Mercy and truth, kindness and trustworthiness protect a king; his throne is strengthened by his goodness because such a king is to be greatly desired.
It is also true that the king is made more secure by the goodness and trustworthiness of those that serve him.
Clarke’s comment about mercy and truth: “These are the brightest jewels in the royal crown; and those kings who are most governed by them have the stablest government.”
Proverbs 20:29 ¶ The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
My paraphrase: Young men are admired for their strength; old men are admired for their wisdom and experience.
When both the young and the old respect each other for their respective strengths, much good can be accomplished.
Proverbs 20:30 ¶ The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
In this verse, Solomon is explaining the positive effects of physical punishment. It is an effective tool of discipline when administered according to God’s word.
Proverbs 13:24 “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” Using the rod with intent to correct and chastise.
Ephesians 6:4 “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” It is obvious that discipline is not to be excessive.
Hebrews 12:7 & 11 “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?…Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” The willingness to invest in the discipline of your child is an act of a loving father.
Ironside: “It would be unwise for a patient to object to the pain caused by the surgeon while he endeavored to free the wound from impurities that might hinder healing and, if unremoved, poison the whole system. So is the saint foolish indeed who complains under a Father’s chastening hand and seeks to free himself from the stripes rather than to ‘hear… the rod, and [Him] who hath appointed it.’” (Micah 6:9)