(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. Sir. 5:2; Sir. 5:4-6.) read more
(26) A wise king scattereth the wicked.—Rather, winnows them.And bringeth the wheel over them.—Comp. Isaiah 28:27. A sort of sledge or cart was driven over the stalks of corn spread upon the threshing-floor, by means of which the grain was separated from the husk. A wise king winnows out evil persons from among his people, thus putting an end to their corrupting influence. (Comp. Matthew 3:12.) read more
The Sluggard in Harvest Proverbs 20:4 I. First, let us try to bring out the principles which are crystallized in this picturesque saying. 1. The first thought evidently is: present conduct determines future conditions. Life is a series of epochs, each of which has its destined work, and that being done, all is well; and that being left undone, all is ill. The mystic significance of the trivialities of life is that in them we largely make destiny, and in them we wholly make character. 2. The... read more
CHAPTER 21IDLENESS"After the autumn gathering the slothful does not plough; he asks in the harvest, and there is nothing."- Proverbs 20:4WE have already in the sixth lecture caught a glimpse of the sluggard; and in the ninth we have seen in passing that diligence in work is enjoined by the teacher; but we must give a more concentrated attention to this subject if we would realize the stress which this book of Wisdom lays on work as the grand condition of life in this earnest world. They who... read more
CHAPTER 20 Proverbs as to Personal Conduct Proverbs of warning and instructions as to personal conduct are found mostly in this chapter; a number of them are of special interest if applied to Solomon. The first one is concerning wine and strong drink. As the use of wine among the people of Israel was legitimate the warning is against intemperance Deuteronomy 14:26 ). The Bible gives many illustrations of the truth of this proverb-warning. We may think of Noah, Lot, Nabal, Ben-hadad, Belshazzar... read more
20:25 [It is] a snare to the man [who] {g} devoureth [that which is] holy, and after vows to make enquiry.(g) That is, to apply or take for his own use, that which was appointed to God’s and then ask how he may be exempted from the fault. read more
20:26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the {h} wheel over them.(h) Which was a kind of punishment then used. read more
In these chapters we have a series of exhortations to a life of godliness expressed in general terms about as follows: 1. Confidence in God as a wise ruler (chap. 16) 2. A disposition of peacefulness and contentment (chap. 17) 3. The virtues of affability, fidelity, and others of a social nature (chap. 18) 4. Humility and meekness (chap. 19) 5. Sobriety, diligence and kindness (chap. 21) 6. Justice, patience, submission (chap. 21) 7. The attainment and preservation of a good name (chap. 22) 8.... read more
The Folly of Strife, Etc. Proverbs 20:0 "Meddling" is a word which might be rendered "showing his teeth"; then the text would read Every fool would be showing his teeth, snarling, threatening to bark and to bite, as if his dignity were threatened. The subject is strife, and the wise man is teaching that he who ceases from strife gets to himself a distinguished honour; he sees through the folly of striving and through its uselessness, and he perceives that life can only be wisely and... read more
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Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 20:24
(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.) read more