Introduction
‘Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.’ Proverbs 20:1-2
From Drunkards To Gossipers
Is drinking wine or beer sinful? Yes/No Why? When does it become sinful? It becomes sinful when it leads to drunkenness. It’s not wise to get drunk because we cannot act wisely when we are drunk, Proverbs 16:14-15 / Proverbs 23:32. Drunkenness is a symptom of overindulgence and a loss of self-discipline, Proverbs 23:20-21 / Proverbs 23:29-35 / Proverbs 31:4-7.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘It deceives by its fragrance, intoxicates by its strength, and renders the intoxicated ridiculous.’
The roar of a lion is very frightening to people, likewise, those who are drunk are very frightening to people, Proverbs 19:12. The normal use of wine on festal occasions was accepted, Proverbs 3:9-10 / Psalm 104:14-15.
But there were constant warnings concerning its use, Amos 6:6 / Hosea 7:5 / Ephesians 5:18. Wisdom teachers know of its dangers, Proverbs 23:29-30.
‘It is to one’s honour to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. Sluggards do not plough in season; so, at harvest time they look but find nothing.’ Proverbs 20:3-4
Coffman, in his commentary, says the following.
‘There is no greater damage to human personality than that which is accomplished by a quarrelsome disposition.’ Proverbs 19:11.
It is a characteristic of the sluggard that they don’t work when they are supposed to, but they look for a harvest of crops anyway, Genesis 8:22. They know what they want but lack the energy and planning in order to obtain it.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘It is seldom that there is a season of very cold weather in Palestine; very cold days sometimes occur, with wind, rain, and sleet. They begin their ploughing in the latter end of September, and sow their early wheat by the middle of October. And this is often the case in England itself. The meaning of the proverb is: the slothful man, under the pretence of unfavourable weather, neglects cultivating his land till the proper time is elapsed.’
What kind of people would you call a sluggard in today’s society? Someone at college who doesn’t study but still wants the certificate. Someone who wants a new car but doesn’t save up for it.
‘The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.’ Proverbs 20:5
Deepwater isn’t easily seen or grasped but those who draw it out, have the ability to do so.
Coffman, in his commentary, says the following.
‘There is no moral content in this proverb. A man’s real purpose may be hard to fathom. The allusion is to men’s disposition to conceal their plans. A clever man will try to discover them by shrewd inquiries and guesses.’ ‘Deep water,’ as already noted, is an idiom for things mysterious or difficult to find out.’
‘Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?’ Proverbs 20:6
Many people claim they are good and have unfailing love, but a faithful person doesn’t claim they are good or proclaim their good ness to others.
True friendship is rare, but many people have many superficial friends. The apostle Paul writes something similar in Romans 3:9.
‘The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.’ Proverbs 20:7
Children will be blessed if their parents live godly lives because they receive the benefits of their parent’s characters.
Matthew Henry, in his commentary, says the following.
‘A good man is not liable to uneasiness in contriving what he shall do, or in reflecting on what he has done, as those who walk in deceit. And his family fare better for his sake.’
‘When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.’ Proverbs 20:8
Those in authority sift out the evidence of the legal cases before them in order to make the right judgment, Isaiah 11:3 / 1 Corinthians 2:15.
Coffman, in his commentary, says the following.
‘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.’
‘Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin?’ Proverbs 20:9
The answer to these questions is simply, no one, 1 Kings 8:46 / Job 14:4 / Job 15:14 / Ecclesiastes 7:20 / Romans 3:23 / 1 John 1:8.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘No man. But thousands can testify that the blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed them from all unrighteousness. And he is pure from his sin, who is justified freely through the redemption that is in Jesus.’
‘Differing weights and differing measures—the LORD detests them both. Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?’ Proverbs 20:10-11
This is all about honesty, fairness and justice, this is the way God wants businesses to run, Proverbs 11:1 / Proverbs 20:10 / Proverbs 20:23.
Verbal professions and external appearances are not decisive. Performance is essential and this again is a very good verse for us to put into practice today.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘We may easily learn from the child what the man will be. In general, they give indications of those trades and callings for which they are adapted by nature. And, on the whole, we cannot go by a surer guide in preparing our children for future life, than by observing their early propensities. The future engineer is seen in the little handicraftsman of two years old.’
‘Ears that hear and eyes that see—the LORD has made them both. Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.’ Proverbs 20:12-13
When we use our ears and eyes properly, we have the necessities of life.
Matthew Henry, in his commentary, says the following.
‘All our powers and faculties are from God and are to be employed for him.’
Wisdom teachers were early risers and were concerned about sleeping too much, Proverbs 6:9-11.
‘It’s no good, it’s no good!’ says the buyer—then goes off and boasts about the purchase. Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.’ Proverbs 20:14-15
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘How apt are men to decry the goods they wish to purchase, in order that they may get them at a cheaper rate; and, when they have made their bargain and carried it off, boast to others at how much less than its value they have obtained it! Are such honest men?’
Here again, we’re reminded that wisdom is worth more than any wealth, Proverbs 3:15-16.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Gold is valuable, silver is valuable, and so are jewels; but the teachings of sound knowledge are more valuable than all.’
‘Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.’ Proverbs 20:16
This could have two meanings.
1. The lender is advised to be stricter with forgiveness than with Israelites, Exodus 22:26-27 / Deuteronomy 15:1-3.
2. If you are dealing with a person who is a bad credit risk, particularly if they are liable for debts of forgiveness, get security for yourself, i.e. take their garments.
Coffman, in his commentary, says the following.
‘This rendition seems to catch the idea here: ‘Anyone stupid enough to promise to be responsible for a stranger’s debts ought to have his own property held to guarantee payment.’
‘Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.’ Proverbs 20:17
Here is a simple warning against dishonesty. The satisfaction of dishonesty may be sweet for a while, but it does not last, 1 Samuel 30:16 / 1 Kings 1:9.
Matthew Henry, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Wealth gotten by fraud may be sweet, for the carnal mind takes pleasure in the success of wicked devices; but it will be bitter in the reflection.’
‘Plans are established by seeking advice; so, if you wage war, obtain guidance.’ Proverbs 20:18
No one should try to conduct a military campaign by themselves, they need the counsel and guidance of others, Luke 14:31.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Perhaps there is not a precept in this whole book so little regarded as this. Most of the wars that are undertaken are wars of injustice, ambition, aggrandizement, and caprice, which can have had no previous good counsel.’
‘A gossip betrays a confidence; so, avoid anyone who talks too much.’ Proverbs 20:19
The gossip will not keep confidences, so do not associate with him, Proverbs 11:13 / Proverbs 18:8.
‘If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.’ Proverbs 20:20
God warned His people against cursing their parents, Exodus 20:12 / Matthew 15:4 / Ephesians 6:2, children need to honour them.
Interestingly, this says nothing about legal punishment and the person who curses their parents will bring an appropriate punishment upon themselves, Exodus 21:17 / Leviticus 20:9.
Matthew Henry, in his commentary, says the following.
‘An undutiful child will become very miserable. Never let him expect any peace or comfort.’
‘An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end. Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.’ Proverbs 20:21-22
It can be a blessing receiving an inheritance, but it can also be someone’s downfall, Luke 15:12.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Gotten by speculation; by lucky hits; not in the fair progressive way of traffic, in which money has its natural increase. All such inheritances are short-lived; God’s blessing is not in them, because they are not the produce of industry; and they lead to idleness, pride, fraud, and knavery.’
This is simply saying that personal retaliation is not up to man, Deuteronomy 32:35 / Romans 12:17-19.
‘The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him. A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?’ Proverbs 20:23-24
Different weights and scales refer to cheating and dishonesty, Proverbs 20:10. We may never understand why someone would want to cheat us, but the point is, God doesn’t, Proverbs 16:11, so we shouldn’t worry about finding out why but just trust God to take care of it.
Matthew Henry, in his commentary, says the following.
‘A bargain made by fraud will prove a losing bargain in the end. How can we form plans, and conduct business, independently of the Lord?’
‘It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.’ Proverbs 20:25
We should count the cost before we commit ourselves or our property to God, Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 / Deuteronomy 23:21-23 / Matthew 5:33-37 / Matthew 23:16-22.
In Judges 11 Jephthah made a rash vow when he told God he would sacrifice as a burnt offering the first thing which came out of his house which turned out to be his daughter, Judges 11:30-40.
‘A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them. The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one’s inmost being.’ Proverbs 20:26-27
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Every one knows that grain was separated from its husks, in Palestine, by the feet of the oxen trampling among the sheaves, or bringing a rough-shod wheel over them. Asiatic kings often threshed their people, to bring out their property; but this is not what is intended here.’
There are a couple of meanings for verse 27.
1. Man is made in God’s image and functions like Him, Genesis 2:7.
2. Nothing is hidden from divine scrutiny.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘God has given to every man a mind, which he so enlightens by his own Spirit, that the man knows how to distinguish good from evil; and conscience, which springs from this, searches the inmost recesses of the soul.’
‘Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.’ Proverbs 20:28
The king needs the support of the people and he himself must manifest these same qualities, Proverbs 20:26.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following, concerning love and faithfulness.
‘These are the brightest jewels in the royal crown; and those kings who are most governed by them have the stablest government.’
‘The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendour of the old.’ Proverbs 20:29
Young men are generally stronger than older men but the beauty of old age is, unfortunately, a lost element today.
Coffman, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Youth is not better than old age, nor is old age better than youth. Each has a glory of its own; and each has its handicaps and temptations, also its triumphs and discouragements in a well-ordered life.’ Nothing is any more ridiculous that an old person pretending to be young again! It also should be remembered that ‘the hoary head’ is the glory of old age, only if it be found ‘in the way of righteousness’.’
‘Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.’ Proverbs 20:30
This is simply saying that punishment is good for our character.
Matthew Henry, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Severe rebukes sometimes do a great deal of good. But such is the corruption of nature, that men are loth to be rebuked for their sins. If God uses severe afflictions, to purify our hearts and fit us for his service, we have cause to be very thankful.’