PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 20:2 The first line of this proverb is almost identical to Proverbs 19:12. But Proverbs 19:12 speaks of the king’s favor, while Proverbs 20:2 speaks only of his anger. The text does not say that a king’s anger is always justified, only that it is lethal. Therefore, one shou... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 20:8 This catalog of proverbs looks at judgment from various angles. The purpose of a KING, representing human government, is to restrain evil through acts of judgment (v. Proverbs 20:8). Awareness of one’s own guilt should make one merciful in judging others (v. Proverbs 2... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 20:13 These proverbs all relate to wealth. Laziness leads to POVERTY (v. Proverbs 20:13). People will set a value on something as it suits them (v. Proverbs 20:14). Wisdom is better than wealth (v. Proverbs 20:15). One should not trust a man who gets involved in foolish deb... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 20:20 The person who despises parental authority will eventually face UTTER DARKNESS (compare Exodus 20:12). AN INHERITANCE GAINED HASTILY IN THE BEGINNING. Too much wealth given too soon is often spent greedily, and so it does not last (see note on Prov. 13:11). In Israel,... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 20:22 These four proverbs teach that God, not people (v. Proverbs 20:22), is the judge and avenger. He detests all unfair bias in human judgment, as represented by uneven SCALES. Verse Proverbs 20:24 emphasizes the mystery of divine sovereignty (see Psalms 37:23; Jeremiah 1... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 20:26 DRIVES THE WHEEL OVER THEM refers to a heavy cart being drawn over the grain to separate the wheat from the chaff. For the health of his kingdom, a WISE KING must root out evildoers. The king can only use exterior acts to judge a person. God, by contrast, sees the INN... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 20:28 God’s STEADFAST LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS was the foundation of the Davidic dynasty (1 Kings 3:6; 1 Kings 8:23; Psalms 89:28). God’s faithfulness, rather than human wisdom or power, is what will PRESERVE THE KING. ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]