Proverbs 20:25 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 20:25

Two things, by which God is greatly affronted, men are here said to be ensnared by, and entangled not only in guilt, but in trouble and ruin at length:?1. Sacrilege, men's alienating holy things and converting them to their own use, which is here called devouring them. What is devoted in any way to the service and honour of God, for the support of religion and divine worship or the relief of the poor, ought to be conscientiously preserved to the purposes designed; and those that directly or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 20:25

It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy ,.... Which is separated to sacred uses, is devoted to the Lord, as firstfruits, tithes, offerings, &c.; which if a man converts to his own use is sacrilege, and this is a sin and a snare, and brings ruin on him; see Malachi 3:8 ; and after vows to make inquiry : that is a sin and a snare also; a man should first inquire before he vows, whether it is right for him to make a vow, and whether he is able to keep it; it is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 20:25

Who devoureth that which is holy - It is a sin to take that which belongs to God, his worship, or his work, and devote it to one's own use. And after vows to make inquiry - That is, if a man be inwardly making a rash vow, the fitness or unfitness, the necessity, expediency, and propriety of the thing should be first carefully considered. But how foolish to make the vow first, and afterwards to inquire whether it was right in the sight of God to do it! This equally condemns all rash and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:24-30

The truth of life in diverse aspects We may divide the matter as follows. I. DIVINE PROVIDENCE . ( Proverbs 20:24 .) It is needful, for human wisdom is shortsighted, and human direction inadequate. It is a gracious fact, and, if acknowledged, brings blessing to the trustful mind and heart. Each man has a life vocation. God appoints it, and will reveal the means for the attainment of it. We cannot enter the kingdom except through the guidance of Christ. II. HUMAN ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:25

It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy. This verse, which is plainly a warning against rash vows, has received more than one interpretation. The Vulgate has, Ruina est homini devorare sanctos, which is explained to mean that it is destruction for a man to persecute the saints of God. But the word devorare is not certain, as the manuscripts vary between this and four other readings, viz. devotares, denotare, devovere, and devocare. The Authorized Version signifies... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 20:25

Proverbs 20:25. It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy He is insnared in a crime, who takes away, and applies to his own use, any thing consecrated to God, and intended to be used in support of his worship and service; or who alienates any holy thing, and employs it to a secular purpose, which is here called devouring it: and after vows to make inquiry After a man hath made vows, to consider whether he can possibly, or may lawfully, keep them; or to inquire of others... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 20:1-30

Honesty (20:1-30)Wise people will not become drunkards, will not needlessly anger those in authority, will avoid quarrelling and will work to support themselves (20:1-4). They will also have the ability to draw out the deepest feelings and intentions of those with whom they deal (5). Many people boast of their loyalty but few practise it. To live honestly is the best way to guarantee a good future for one’s children (6-7). A king learns by experience to discern between right and wrong in cases... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 20:25

devoureth = rashly promises. holy. See note on Exodus 3:5 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 20:25

"It is a snare to a man rashly to say, It is holy, And after vows to make inquiry."Again, we have a proverb in which the Hebrew text, "Is not clear."[22] The `inquiry' mentioned in the second line apparently refers to a situation in which a man, after making a rash and vow, begins to seek some loophole, "So as to escape payment."[23]Sometimes, people, under a sudden impulse will make pledges for benevolent or religious purposes, which are really beyond their means; and this proverb is a warning... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Proverbs 20:25

Proverbs 20:25. It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy— It is a snare to a man, if he swallow down a vow, or an oath. Or, as Houbigant renders it, The man is ensnared who rashly vows a holy thing, and shall delay, retracting his vow. The verse is generally understood to be directed against sacrilege. read more