27 The human spirit is[1] the lamp of the Lordthat sheds light on one's inmost being.
28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.
30 Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.
27 The spirit of man is the candle
28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth
27 The spirit
28 Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.
30 Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.
27 God is in charge of human life, watching and examining us inside and out.
28 Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity.
29 Youth may be admired for vigor, but gray hair gives prestige to old age.
30 A good thrashing purges evil; punishment goes deep within us.
27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the inner depths of his heart.
28 Mercy and truth preserve the king, And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head.
30 Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.
27 The Lord 's light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.
28 Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love.
29 The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.
30 Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 20:27-30
Commentary on Proverbs 20:27
(Read Proverbs 20:27)
The rational soul and conscience are as a lamp within us, which should be used in examining our dispositions and motives with the revealed will of God.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:28
(Read Proverbs 20:28)
Mercy and truth are the glories of God's throne.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:29
(Read Proverbs 20:29)
Both young and old have their advantages; and let neither despise or envy the other.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:30
(Read Proverbs 20:30)
Severe rebukes sometimes do a great deal of good. But such is the corruption of nature, that men are loth to be rebuked for their sins. If God uses severe afflictions, to purify our hearts and fit us for his service, we have cause to be very thankful.