Bible Commentaries
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
Proverbs 20
XX.
(1) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging—i.e., producing these effects in those who subject themselves to their power.
(2) The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion, i.e., the dread which he casts upon others when he is becoming angry is a warning of approaching. danger.
Sinneth against his own soul—i.e., against his own life.
(3) But every fool.—Self-willed person. (Comp. Proverbs 1:22.)
Will be meddling.—Or, rather, shewing his teeth: (Comp. Proverbs 20:14) thinking that his own personal dignity is at stake.
(5) Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water.—The wise thoughts of a “man,” fitly so-called (comp. Proverbs 18:4), may be hid deep in his breast, like the waters of a well, but a man of understanding knows how to draw them out as by a windlass and bucket ( Exodus 2:16).
(6) Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness.—Will be full of his benevolent intentions, “but a faithful man,” who carries out these promises, “who can find?”
(7) The just man.—Comp. Proverbs 10:2.
His children are blessed after him.—Comp. 1 Kings 15:4, Jeremiah 33:20-21.
(9) Who can say, I have made my heart clean?—Though we may have done our best by self-examination and confession, and repentance and trust in the atoning blood of Christ to obtain remission of sin, still the heart is so deceitful ( Jeremiah 17:9), sins may so easily have escaped our notice ( Psalms 19:12, 1 Corinthians 4:4), that satisfaction with ourselves ought never to be allowed ( Romans 11:20).
(11) Even a child is known by his doings . . .—The disposition soon shews itself; all the more reason, therefore, to train it betimes.
(12) The Lord hath made even both of them.—And, therefore, they are to be used as He would have them. (Comp. our Lord’s constant warning, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”) The proverb may also remind us of the admonition in Proverbs 15:3, and Psalms 94:9, to remember God’s constant watchfulness over us.
(14) It is naught, saith the buyer.—He cries down the goods he wants to purchase.
Then he boasteth.—How he has outdone the seller, and got the goods below their value. For other notices of cheating in trade see above on Proverbs 11:1.
(16) Take his garment that is surety for a stranger.—Another warning against suretiship. (See above on Proverbs 6:1.) If a man is rash enough to become surety for another, he must suffer for his imprudence, and learn wisdom by feeling the effects of his folly.
And take a pledge of him for a strange woman.—Rather, take him as a pledge (seize upon his person who has become surety) for a strange woman, (according to the margin) or, for strangers (as the text reads).
(21) The end thereof shall not be blessed.—Comp. Proverbs 28:20 : the evil means by which he acquired the possession will, at the last, be visited upon him. Thus Jacob was punished severely for the selfishness by which he gained the birthright, and for the fraud by which he obtained the blessing belonging to his brother.
(22) Wait on the Lord and he shall save thee.—Do not look for vengeance on enemies (for they are to be forgiven), but for deliverance from their attacks; forget their malice, remember only God’s love for thee, and trust in Him. (Comp. 1 Peter 3:13, Romans 8:28.)
(24) Man’s goings are of the Lord.—Comp. Jeremiah 10:23 and the collect, “O God, from whom . . . all just works do proceed.”
How can a man then understand his own way?—i.e., how he should go. So much the more reason for the prayer of Psalms 25:3, “Shew me thy ways, O Lord.” (Comp. Psalms 119:33, ff, Psalms 143:8.)
(25) It is a snare to a man who devoureth that which is holy.—Rather, It is a snare for a man (i.e., gets him into trouble) rashly to say, “It is dedicated” (i.e., when he thoughtlessly dedicates anything to God), and after he has vowed to enquire (whether he can keep his word). (Comp. Sirach 5:2; Sirach 5:4-6.)
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