Proverbs 20:22

22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.

Proverbs 20:22 in Other Translations

22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

22 Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

22 Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the LORD to handle the matter.

22 Don't ever say, "I'll get you for that!" Wait for God; he'll settle the score.

22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil: Wait for Jehovah, and he will save thee.

22 Do not say, "I'll get even with you!" Wait for the LORD, and he will save you.

22 Don't say, "I will avenge this evil!" Wait on the Lord, and He will rescue you.

22 Don't say, "I'll get even with you for the wrong you did to me!" Wait for the Lord, and he will save you.

Proverbs 20:22 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 20:22

Say not thou, I will recompense evil
With evil; do an injury to one that has done one to you; private revenge is not to be taken, but should be left to God, to whom vengeance belongs, ( Deuteronomy 32:35 Deuteronomy 32:41 ) ; [but] wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee;
commit thyself and cause to God; leave it with him to avenge thy wrongs; wait upon him in the way of thy duty, and wait his own time to do thee justice; he will at the proper season, and in his own way, save thee from thine enemy, and make a righteous retribution to him.

Proverbs 20:22 In-Context

20 If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

21 An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.

22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.

23 The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.

24 A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 24:29
• 2. Isaiah 37:20; Jeremiah 1:19; Jeremiah 42:11; Romans 12:19