Proverbs 20 Study Notes
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20:1 On mocker, see note at 1:22. A brawler is loud and rowdy (7:11; 9:13). To “go astray” is literally to “wander” into something (19:27) and “get lost” in it (5:19-20,23).
20:2 On king’s . . . wrath, see note at 19:12. The last phrase could be literally translated either “he misses (fails to hit) his life” or “he sins against himself”; the essential meaning is the same.
20:3 A wise man might end a dispute by casting lots (18:18) or getting rid of mockers (23:10). Only a fool (’ewiyl) starts a dispute (17:14).
20:4 The ground has to be plowed to prepare it for planting, but the slacker avoids work and does not think ahead (6:6-11). During planting season is literally “from winter,” that is, starting in about November. He looks is literally “he asks,” that is, he comes to the fields to inquire about his harvest.
20:5 Water in a deep well is useful but difficult to draw up.
20:6 On loyalty, see “faithful love” in note at 19:22. It is easy for someone to proclaim it, but truly trustworthy (cp. 13:17) people, who will act in time of need, are rare. Who can find is a rhetorical question that assumes the answer, “no one.”
20:7 On integrity, see note at 2:7; on happy, see note at 3:13-18. The promise of happiness for children must be balanced by Ezk 18.
20:8 Separates out pictures throwing grain up in the wind with a winnowing shovel so that the chaff scatters (Ru 3:2; Ps 106:27; Is 30:24; 41:16; Ezk 5:10; cp. Pr 20:26).
20:9 The word for cleansed is used for being ritually clean and suitable for temple worship (Nm 8:6). This rhetorical question makes the point that no human is perfect, and no human effort can remove sin (Jb 15:14; 25:4; Rm 3:23; 1Jn 1:8). Only God can forgive sin and cleanse a person (Is 55:7; Mk 2:5-11; 1Jn 1:7).
20:10 The Lord considers it detestable to cheat anyone out of his or her possessions.
20:11 The Hebrew word for is known probably means to present oneself to be recognized. A young man is measured against purity and uprightness.
20:12 God can open the ear and eye to wisdom.
20:13 To become poor is literally to “be dispossessed” (Jos 3:10), or to be deprived of possessions (Gn 45:11; Zch 9:4; cp. Pr 23:21; 30:9).
20:14 This is a humorous look at bartering, but it also shows that many people are self-idolizing liars. He gloats is literally “he praises himself.” On worthless, see “evil” in note at 1:16.
20:15 These jewels were probably coral (Lm 4:7) or pearls (Jb 28:18).
20:16 Someone has been foolish enough to put up security for a stranger (see note at 6:1-2). A person might as well take the pledge and collateral from him now because it is as good as lost.
20:17 On gravel, compare Lm 3:16.
20:18 To finalize plans is to “establish” or “achieve” them, which ultimately only God can do (4:26; 16:3,9). Often God works through the counsel and guidance of wise, godly advisers.
20:19 On gossip, see note at 11:13.
20:20 To “curse” is literally to “declare inconsequential” or to treat with contempt (Gn 12:3; 1Sm 3:13; 2Sm 16:7). One’s lamp going out is metaphorical for untimely death (13:9; 24:20; 2Sm 21:17; cp. Ex 20:12; Eph 6:2-3).
20:21 This proverb is proved true in the parable of the lost son (Lk 15:11-13).
20:22 To avenge is to exact payment; God is in charge of payments and rewards (11:31; 19:17; 24:29; Dt 32:35). To wait implies hope (Ps 25:3; 27:14; 37:9,34; 39:7; 40:1; 130:5).
20:24 This word for “courageous person” implies strength and virility (see “warrior” in 24:5). If God determines the conduct of even the strongest man, no one can claim absolute control over his own life.
20:25 A fool’s mouth can be a trap (cp. 18:7; Jdg 11:29-40). To reconsider is to inquire into something carefully. The fool only later checks to see if he can fulfill his vows.
20:26 The process of threshing actually begins with the wheel, which removes the chaff from the grain. Then the chaff is separated by throwing it up in the wind (v. 8).
20:27-28 On innermost, see note at 18:8. On loyalty and faithfulness, see notes at 3:3-4; 19:22.
20:29 These are “choice” or “select” young men (Jos 8:3). Gray hair represents the achievement of honorable old age; few wicked people reach it (10:27; 16:31).
20:30 Corporal punishment, when appropriate, is effective (13:24; 22:15; 23:14). To cleanse is to remove tarnish through rubbing or scouring (Lv 6:28; Jr 46:4). On innermost, see v. 27 and note at 18:8.