Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Twenty
We will now look at Proverbs chapter twenty:
On Life and Conduct
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. Proverbs 20:1 (NASB)
Alcoholism is a great problem. The Bible teaches that alcohol is useful in its place, (1 Timothy 5:23) but if one drinks to the point of intoxication – how foolish is that? If you have a problem with alcohol – stay clear of it.
2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. Proverbs 20:2 (NASB)
Those in authority have great power. In some countries if you make a leader angry you could lose your life. The Message Bible says:
“Quick-tempered leaders are like mad dogs — cross them and they bite your head off.” Proverbs 20:2 (MSG)
3 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel. Proverbs 20:3 (NASB)
There are times when an argument cannot be avoided, but a resourceful person will find a way out of a fight when it is appropriate. Foolish people find it impossible to avoid strife and at times go looking for it.
4 The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing. Proverbs 20:4 (NASB)
You’ve heard similar warnings – if you don’t study, you’ll fail the test – if you don’t save funds will not be there when you need it. God takes care of His children – but He expects us to use good sense. We can’t expect Him to come to our rescue when we cause our own problems through lack of planning and action. He provides for us, but He also expects us to be responsible.
5 A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out. Proverbs 20:5 (NASB)
To make plans – to seek advice – to ask the right questions is like water from a deep well.
6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man? Proverbs 20:6 (NASB)
Many people will say they are your friends but are they by your side in times of need?
7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity— How blessed are his sons after him. Proverbs 20:7 (NASB)
Integrity is a great quality to have. Not only is a person of integrity blessed but those who come after them.
8 A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes. Proverbs 20:8 (NASB)
Those who preside over a court need to do so with justice. Evil will be dealt with and will be afraid to enter into his presence. This should be part of our “fear of the Lord”.
9 Who can say, "I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin"? Proverbs 20:9 (NASB)
No one is without sin. As soon as we confess our sin and repent, sinful thoughts and actions begin to creep back into our minds and hearts. We all need ongoing cleansing, moment by moment. Thank God he provides forgiveness by his mercy when we ask for it. Make confession and repentance a regular part of your talks with God. Rely on him moment by moment for the cleansing you need.
10 Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to the Lord. Proverbs 20:10 (NASB)
There is to be justice – but how can justice be given when the weights are constantly shifting? Be sure there is fairness and justice in how you treat others.
11 It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right. Proverbs 20:11 (NASB)
A person’s character is displayed by their actions. We should make sure that our actions are right and pure.
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made both of them. Proverbs 20:12 (NASB)
Every good we possess comes from God. We should neither use our eyes, nor our ears, nor any thing we possess to fulfill the lusts of the flesh – but all things should be in submission to the Lord.
13 Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food. Proverbs 20:13 (NASB)
There is a proper time for rest and sleep – but not when it is planting and harvest time. Use your time wisely.
14 "Bad, bad," says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts. Proverbs 20:14 (NASB)
The purchaser says the item is worthless – yet after they buy it thy brag on what a good deal that they got. Is there dishonesty in this?
15 There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing. Proverbs 20:15 (NASB)
There are things that people consider of great value in this world – but the scripture says, that speaking knowledge is more valuable than then all.
16 Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger; And for foreigners, hold him in pledge. Proverbs 20:16 (NASB)
Wisdom in business is here again advised. When someone has asked for a loan and has left something as collateral – hold on to the item – especially if it is from a stranger.
17 Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. Proverbs 20:17 (NASB)
Honesty is always the best policy. Money earned by lying may seem sweet at first – but it is like having gravel in your mouth and stomach.
18 Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance. Proverbs 20:18 (NASB)
Whenever you are making a major decision – it is always wise to seek wise counsel. Never rush into anything unwisely – especially war.
19 He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip. Proverbs 20:19 (NASB)
Be careful who you associate with. Don’t hang around with gossips.
20 He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness. Proverbs 20:20 (NASB)
In this verse we find a warning. Those who are disrespectful to their parents – their lamp will go out at the time of their greatest need.
21 An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end. Proverbs 20:21 (NASB)
We all need to appreciate the inheritance that has been handed to us – if we do not it is of little value. We become like the prodigal who had squandered his inheritance.
22 Do not say, "I will repay evil"; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you. Proverbs 20:22 (NASB)
Wait on the Lord, attend his pleasure, and he will protect you. Many times we may run before God and get ahead of His plans. God makes a promise in this verse: “I will repay evil.” Can we wait for Him?
23 Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, And a false scale is not good. Proverbs 20:23 (NASB)
Honesty at all times is a good thing – but a false scale is not. Dishonesty is a difficult sin to avoid. It is easy to cheat if we think no one is looking. But dishonesty affects the very core of a person. It makes him untrustworthy and untrusting. It eventually makes him unable to know himself or relate to others. Don’t take dishonesty lightly. Even the smallest portion of dishonesty contains enough of the poison of deceit to kill your spiritual life. If there is any dishonesty in your life, tell God about it now.
24 Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord, How then can man understand his way? Proverbs 20:24 (NASB)
We are often confused by the events around us. Some things we will never understand until years later when we look back and see how God was working. This proverb counsels us to not worry if we don’t understand everything as it happens. Instead, we should trust that God knows what He’s doing, even if His timing or design is not clear to us.
25 It is a trap for a man to say rashly, "It is holy!" And after the vows to make inquiry. Proverbs 20:25 (NASB)
This proverb points out the danger of making a promise rashly and then reconsidering it. God takes promises seriously and requires that they be carried out. We often have good intentions when making a promise because we want to show God that we are determined to please Him. Jesus, however, says it is better not to make promises to God because he knows how difficult they are to keep – see: Mat 5:33-37. If you still feel it is important to make a promise, make sure that you weigh the consequences of breaking it. It is better not to make promises than to make them and then later not keep them. It is best to count the cost beforehand and then to fulfill them.
26 A wise king winnows the wicked, And drives the threshing wheel over them. Proverbs 20:26 (NASB)
Here judgments are made – the wise king is to get rid of the wicked. I have often heard people say: “Judge not lest you be judged.” Yet if you do not make wise decisions – you will become unwise and fall into the wrong crowd.
27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the innermost parts of his being. Proverbs 20:27 (NASB)
It is God’s Spirit who speaks to our spirit. Through the fall of man – we are spiritually dead until God’s Spirit makes us spiritually alive. In conversion there must be repentance. We need to know that we are sinners – otherwise why would we need a Savior?
28 Loyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by righteousness. Proverbs 20:28 (NASB)
Here we find the virtues of a good king. A good king must be strictly faithful to his word. He must be sincere and truthful. With these qualities being found – he will uphold his throne in righteousness.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of old men is their gray hair. Proverbs 20:29 (NASB)
Young men have strength – old men have gray hair. These are important at that time of life – but a godly character is most important.
30 Stripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes reach the innermost parts. Proverbs 20:30 (NASB)
With punishment there should be learning. The “stripes” that we receive should affect our character – and cause us to walk a path of righteousness.
