201 Wine is a mocker , strong drink a brawler , And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise .
2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion ; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life .
3 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man , But any fool will quarrel .
4 The sluggard does not plow after the autumn , So he begs during the harvest and has nothing .
5 A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water , But a man of understanding draws it out.
6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty , But who can find a trustworthy man ?
7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity - How blessed are his sons after him.
8 A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes .
9 Who can say , "I have cleansed my heart , I am pure from my sin "?
10 Differing weights and differing measures , Both e of them are abominable to the Lord .
11 It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right .
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye , The Lord has made both e of them.
13 Do not love sleep , or you will become poor ; Open your eyes , and you will be satisfied with food .
14 "Bad , bad ," says the buyer , But when he goes his way , then he boasts .
15 There is gold , and an abundance of jewels ; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing .
16 Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger ; And for foreigners , hold him in pledge .
17 Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man , But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel .
18 Prepare plans by consultation , And make war by wise guidance .
19 He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets , Therefore do not associate with a gossip e .
20 He who curses his father or his mother , His lamp will go out in time of darkness .
21 An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 20:1-21
Commentary on Proverbs 20:1
(Read Proverbs 20:1)
It seems hard to believe that men of the greatest abilities, as well as the ignorant, should render themselves fools and madmen, merely for the taste or excitement produced by strong liquors.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:2
(Read Proverbs 20:2)
How formidable kings are to those who provoke them! how much more foolish then is it to provoke the King of kings!
Commentary on Proverbs 20:3
(Read Proverbs 20:3)
To engage in quarrels is the greatest folly that can be. Yield, and even give up just demands, for peace' sake.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:4
(Read Proverbs 20:4)
He who labours and endures hardship in his seed-time for eternity, will be properly diligent as to his earthly business.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:5
(Read Proverbs 20:5)
Though many capable of giving wise counsel are silent, yet something may be drawn from them, which will reward those who obtain it.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:6
(Read Proverbs 20:6)
It is hard to find those that have done, and will do more good than they speak, or care to hear spoken of.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:7
(Read Proverbs 20:7)
A good man is not liable to uneasiness in contriving what he shall do, or in reflecting on what he has done, as those who walk in deceit. And his family fare better for his sake.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:8
(Read Proverbs 20:8)
If great men are good men, they may do much good, and prevent very much evil.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:9
(Read Proverbs 20:9)
Some can say, Through grace, we are cleaner than we have been; but it was the work of the Holy Spirit.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:10
(Read Proverbs 20:10)
See the various deceits men use, of which the love of money is the root. The Lord will not bless what is thus gotten.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:11
(Read Proverbs 20:11)
Parents should observe their children, that they may manage them accordingly.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:12
(Read Proverbs 20:12)
All our powers and faculties are from God, and are to be employed for him.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:13
(Read Proverbs 20:13)
Those that indulge themselves, may expect to want necessaries, which should have been gotten by honest labour.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:14
(Read Proverbs 20:14)
Men use arts to get a good bargain, and to buy cheap; whereas a man ought to be ashamed of a fraud and a lie.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:15
(Read Proverbs 20:15)
He that prefers true knowledge to riches, follows the ways of religion and happiness. If we really believed this truth, the word of God would be valued as it deserves, and the world would lose its tempting influence.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:16
(Read Proverbs 20:16)
Those ruin themselves who entangle themselves in rash suretiship. Also those who are in league with abandoned women. Place no confidence in either.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:17
(Read Proverbs 20:17)
Wealth gotten by fraud may be sweet, for the carnal mind takes pleasure in the success of wicked devices; but it will be bitter in the reflection.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:18
(Read Proverbs 20:18)
Especially we need advice in spiritual warfare. The word and Spirit of God are the best counsellors in every point.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:19
(Read Proverbs 20:19)
Those dearly buy their own praise, who put confidence in a man because he speaks fairly.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:20
(Read Proverbs 20:20)
An undutiful child will become very miserable. Never let him expect any peace or comfort.
Commentary on Proverbs 20:21
(Read Proverbs 20:21)
An estate suddenly raised, is often as suddenly ruined.