Proverbs 20:25-27

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 20:25

The situation in view here is that of a person who impulsively pledges something to God and then, upon reconsidering, wishes that he had not done so (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:5; Mark 7:11). It is better to wait to make the pledge, until one thinks through the implications of the decision carefully. In a larger application, we should avoid all unconsidered action. [Note: Whybray, The Book . . ., p. 116.] "Too many people will make promises under the inspiration of the hour only later to realize that... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 20:27

God searches out our innermost thoughts and feelings. Solomon compared our "spirit" (lit. "breath," Heb. nishmat, cf. Genesis 2:7) to a lamp God uses to investigate all the darkened crannies of our being in this very graphic proverb. Here the spirit is almost equivalent to the conscience (God’s Word also searches, cf. Hebrews 4:12)."Breath typically goes in and comes out of a person, giving life; but it also comes out as wisdom and words." [Note: R. C. Van Leeuwen, "The Book of Proverbs," in... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 20:1-30

1. Raging] RV ’a brawler.’ Is deceived] RM ’reeleth.’ It makes a man sneer, quarrel and reel about. 2. Fear] the ’terror’ which he causes. Soul] RV ’life.’4. Read, ’In the autumn.. therefore when he seeketh,’ etc.: the first season begins about October, the second about April. 5. A clever cross-questioner elicits one’s plans. 8. Scattereth away] RM ’winnoweth’ (1 Kings 3:28).9. ’What mortal when he saw,Life’s voyage done, his heavenly Friend,Could ever yet dare tell Him fearlessly:“I have kept... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 20:25

(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

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 20:26

(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

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 20:27

(27) The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord.—The spirit of man, breathed into him at first by the Creator (Genesis 2:7), and afterwards quickened and illumined by the Divine Spirit, is the “candle of the Lord,” given to man as an inward light and guide.Searching all the inward parts of the belly.—That is, of the inmost heart of man; testing all his thoughts, feelings, desires, by God’s law, approving some, condemning others, according as they agree with it or not. The word “belly” is... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Proverbs 20:1-30

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

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Proverbs 20:1-30

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

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Proverbs 20:1-30

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

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Proverbs 20:25

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

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