Proverbs 16:20
Proverbs 16:20 in Multiple Translations
Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he.
He who gives attention to the law of right will get good; and whoever puts his faith in the Lord is happy.
If you pay attention to wise instruction you will do well; you'll be happy if you trust in the Lord.
He that is wise in his busines, shall finde good: and he that trusteth in the Lord, he is blessed.
The wise in any matter findeth good, And whoso is trusting in Jehovah, O his happiness.
He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in the LORD is blessed.
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoever trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
The learned in word shall find good things: and he that trusteth in the Lord is blessed.
Those who heed good teaching/instruction will prosper; happy are those who trust in Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 16:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַשְׂכִּ֣יל
עַל
דָּ֭בָר
יִמְצָא
ט֑וֹב
וּ/בוֹטֵ֖חַ
בַּ/יהוָ֣ה
אַשְׁרָֽי/ו
מַשְׂכִּ֣יל
sâkal
H7919
be prudent
V-Hiphil
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
דָּ֭בָר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
יִמְצָא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
וּ/בוֹטֵ֖חַ
bâṭach
H982
to trust
Conj | V-Qal
בַּ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
אַשְׁרָֽי/ו
ʼesher
H835
blessed
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 16:20
מַשְׂכִּ֣יל
sâkal
H7919
"be prudent"
V-Hiphil
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דָּ֭בָר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יִמְצָא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וּ/בוֹטֵ֖חַ
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
Conj | V-Qal
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
בַּ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אַשְׁרָֽי/ו
ʼesher
H835
"blessed"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means happiness or blessedness, often used to express how happy someone is. It appears in the Bible as an interjection, similar to 'how happy!' In the KJV, it is translated as 'blessed' or 'happy'.
Definition: 1) happiness, blessedness 1a) often used as interjection 1b) blessed are
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blessed, happy. See also: Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalms 119:2; Psalms 1:1.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:20
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:20
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:20
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
21The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction. 22Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 17:7–8 | But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit. |
| 2 | Psalms 2:12 | Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. |
| 3 | Isaiah 30:18 | Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him. |
| 4 | Psalms 34:8 | Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! |
| 5 | Isaiah 26:3–4 | You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal. |
| 6 | Proverbs 19:8 | He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success. |
| 7 | Proverbs 24:3–5 | By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure. A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength. |
| 8 | Proverbs 8:35 | For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. |
| 9 | Matthew 10:16 | Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. |
| 10 | Daniel 6:23 | The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den, and when Daniel was lifted out of the den, no wounds whatsoever were found on him, because he had trusted in his God. |
Proverbs 16:20 Summary
Proverbs 16:20 teaches us that listening to and obeying God's instructions will lead to success, and that trusting in the LORD will bring blessing. This means seeking God's guidance in our lives and having faith in His goodness, as we see in Psalm 23:1-4, where David trusts in God's care and provision. By trusting in the LORD, we can experience true success and prosperity, not just in earthly terms, but in our spiritual lives as well, as Jesus promises in John 10:10, 'I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'heed instruction' in Proverbs 16:20?
To heed instruction means to listen and obey the teachings of God's Word, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where the psalmist says 'Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.'
How does trusting in the LORD lead to success?
Trusting in the LORD means having faith in His sovereignty and goodness, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11, where God says 'For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'
Is success in Proverbs 16:20 limited to earthly prosperity?
No, success in this context encompasses spiritual prosperity and a deepening relationship with God, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33, 'But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.'
How can I apply the principle of trusting in the LORD in my daily life?
You can apply this principle by seeking God's guidance in prayer, as instructed in Philippians 4:6, and by meditating on His Word, as encouraged in Joshua 1:8, to cultivate a deeper trust in His sovereignty and goodness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to heed instruction and trust in the LORD's sovereignty?
- How can I balance the desire for success with the need to trust in God's timing and plan?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my trust in the LORD, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging?
- How does my trust in the LORD affect my relationships with others, and what witness does it provide to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:20
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good,.... That frames and composes his discourse well on any subject he takes in hand; or manages his affairs prudently and discreetly, in which he is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:20
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good; and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:20
He that handleth a matter wisely; he who orders his affairs with discretion. Or, as others, both ancient and later interpreters, take it, he that understandeth or attendeth to the word, to wit, the word of God, which is called absolutely the word, , and elsewhere, making that the rule of his actions. Shall find good; shall obtain happy success. Who so trusteth in the Lord; who doth not trust to his prudence or diligence, but to God’ s providence and blessings. Or, who mixeth God’ s word with faith, as the phrase is, . Happy is he; he shall not only find some good, but shall certainly attain to true happiness.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:20
Proverbs 16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy [is] he.Ver. 20. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good.] Doing things with due deliberation and circumspection, things of weight and importance especially - for here Deliberandum est diu, quod statuendum est semel - we may look for God’ s blessing, when the best that can come of rashness is repentance. Youth rides in post to be married, but in the end finds the inn of repentance to be lodged in. The best may be sometimes miscarried by their passions to their cost, as good Josiah when he encountered the King of Egypt, and never so much as sent to Jeremiah, Zephaniah, or any other prophet then living, to ask, Shall I go up against Pharaoh or not? And whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.] Let a man handle his matter never so wisely, yet if he trust to his own wisdom, he must not look to find good. God will cross even the likeliest projects of such, and crack the strongest sinew in all the arm of flesh. The Babylonians held their city impregnable, and boasted, as Xenophon witnesseth, that they had twenty years’ provision beforehand; but God confuted their carnal confidence. The Jews in Isaiah, when they looked for an invasion, looked in that day to the armour of the house of the forest, and "gathered together the waters of the lower pool, numbered the houses, and cast up the ditches to fortify the wall; but they looked not all this while to God their Maker," &c. Therefore they had "a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity, by the Lord God of hosts in the valley of vision." Where the beginning is creature confidence or self-conceitedness, the end is commonly shame and confusion, in any business. Whereas he that, in the use of lawful means, resteth upon God for direction and success, though he fail in his design, yet he knows whom he hath trusted, and God will "know his soul in adversity."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:20
(20) He that handleth a matter wisely.—Or, perhaps, he that attendeth to the word of God. (Comp. Proverbs 13:13.)
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:20
20. He that handleth a matter wisely] This rendering is relegated to the margin in R.V., and instead of it he that giveth heed unto the word is adopted in the text, with a reference to Proverbs 13:13 (see note there), in support of it. The word will then mean the word of God. The A.V. however gives a very good sense, if we understand the second clause of the verse as intimating how a matter is to be handled wisely, cp. Proverbs 3:5-6.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:20
Good as it is to “handle a matter wisely,” it is far better to “trust in the Lord.” The former is really impossible except through the latter.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:20
20. Handleth… wisely — Good critics render this, He that gives heed to the word will find good. So Zockler, Conant, Noyes, Muenscher, etc. The term “word” is used in the sense of law. Comp.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Trust in God - True Wisdom by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of handling matters wisely in a land full of enemies. He warns that if one does not choose their way carefully, they will fac |
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(Proverbs) ch.16:5 - 17:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a little bit of money gained honestly rather than accumulating great wealth through dishonest means. The fear of the |
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(Proverbs) ch.19:5 - 20:6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the consequences of lying and the importance of following God's laws. He emphasizes that no one can escape the punishment for their sins, as |
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Looking to God by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the happiness found in trusting the Lord, emphasizing that when God is our ultimate focus and we can declare Him as our God, everything in life |
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A Time to Do Nothng but Trust by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and the Israelites facing a massive army of Philistines. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered and lacked weapons, lea |
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The God of Hope by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having hope and joy in the midst of a hopeless world. He encourages the congregation to live in hope and to rely on the Ho |
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Let God Always Be Your Strength - Wedding by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for the presence of Jesus, just like at the wedding of Cana where the wine Jesus provided was better than the earthly wine. The preac |