30 Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.

Other Translations of Proverbs 20:30

King James Version

30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth cleanseth...: Heb. is a purging medicine against away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

English Standard Version

30 Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.

The Message

30 A good thrashing purges evil; punishment goes deep within us.

New King James Version

30 Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.

New Living Translation

30 Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 20:30

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.