Proverbs 20:8

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 20:8

Here is, 1. The character of a good governor: He is a king that deserves to be called so who sits in the throne, not as a throne of honour, to take his ease, and take state upon him, and oblige men to keep their distance, but as a throne of judgment, that he may do justice, give redress to the injured and punish the injurious, who makes his business his delight and loves no pleasure comparably to it, who does not devolve the whole care and trouble upon others, but takes cognizance of affairs... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 20:8

A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment ,.... That executes judgment himself, as David and Solomon did; who ascends the throne, and sits personally there, and hears and tries causes himself, and not by his servants: scattereth away all evil with his eyes ; all evil men, as the Targum; everyone that is evil, as Aben Ezra: he will easily and quickly discern who is evil, or who is in a bad cause before him, and will pass sentence on him, and drive him away from him with shame and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 20:8

A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment - Kings should see to the administration of the laws, as well as of the state transactions, of their kingdom. In the British constitution there is a court for the king, called the King's Bench, where he should sit, and where he is always supposed to be sitting. The eyes - the presence, of the monarch in such a place, scatter evil - he sees into the case himself, and gives right judgment, for he can have no self-interest. Corrupt judges, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:6-11

The frailty of mankind I. THE RARITY OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP . ( Proverbs 20:6 .) Many are ready to promise, few willing to perform. Many eager to say, "Lord, Lord!" comparatively few to do the will of the Father in heaven. There is no want of good notions in the world; but, according to the Italian proverb, many are so good that they are good for nothing. The spirit may be willing, the flesh is weak. Inclination to good needs to be fortified by faith in God. II. THE JUST ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:8

A royal and right noble maxim. A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes. The king, sitting on the tribunal and executing his judiciary office, sees through all devices and pretences which cloak evil, and scatters them to the winds, as the chaff flies before the winnowing fan. Nothing unrighteous can abide in his presence (comp. Proverbs 20:26 ; Proverbs 16:10 , etc.). See here an adumbration of the characteristic of the Messiah, the great King... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 20:8

Proverbs 20:8. A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment That makes it his great care and business to execute justice and judgment among his people, especially if he do this in his own person, as it was usual for kings to do in ancient times, and see things with his own eyes; scattereth away all evil Effectually suppresses, or removes, all wickedness; with his eyes With his very looks, or by his diligent inspection. 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 20:8

evil. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 20:8

"A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes."The truth of this proverb hinges upon the character of the king. What is said here is true only of a wise and righteous monarch. "When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes."[6] read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Proverbs 20:8

Proverbs 20:8. A king, &c.— The wise man excites monarchs to hear causes in person, as the best means of preventing abuses, and acquiring a true state of their nation. Agreeably to this, we find Herodotus asserting, that kings were originally constituted for this very purpose. This also was Cicero's opinion, and was long before asserted by Hesiod. See Grotius and Calmet. read more

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