Proverbs 20:22
Proverbs 20:22 in Multiple Translations
Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Say not thou, I will recompense evil: Wait for Jehovah, and he will save thee.
Do not say, I will give punishment for evil: go on waiting for the Lord, and he will be your saviour.
Don't say, “I'll get you back for doing me wrong.” Leave it to the Lord, and he'll help you.
Say not thou, I wil recompense euill: but waite vpon the Lord, and he shall saue thee.
Do not say, 'I recompense evil,' Wait for Jehovah, and He delivereth thee.
Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for the LORD, and he will save you.
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Say not: I will return evil: wait for the Lord and he will deliver thee.
Do not say, “I will do evil to those who do evil to me;” wait for Yahweh to do something about it, and he will ◄help you/do what is right►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:22
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 20:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תֹּאמַ֥ר
אֲשַׁלְּמָה
רָ֑ע
קַוֵּ֥ה
לַֽ֝/יהוָ֗ה
וְ/יֹ֣שַֽׁע
לָֽ/ךְ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תֹּאמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
אֲשַׁלְּמָה
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Piel-1cs
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
קַוֵּ֥ה
qâvâh
H6960
to await
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
לַֽ֝/יהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
וְ/יֹ֣שַֽׁע
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
לָֽ/ךְ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 20:22
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תֹּאמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲשַׁלְּמָה
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Piel-1cs
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
קַוֵּ֥ה
qâvâh
H6960
"to await"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to collect or gather things together, and can also mean to wait patiently for something. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe waiting on God.
Definition: 1) to wait, look for, hope, expect 1a) (Qal) waiting (participle) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait or look eagerly for 1b2) to lie in wait for 1b3) to wait for, linger for
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon). See also: Genesis 1:9; Isaiah 5:2; Psalms 25:3.
לַֽ֝/יהוָ֗ה
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.
וְ/יֹ֣שַֽׁע
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
לָֽ/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:22
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:22
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:22
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:22
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
20Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.
21An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end.
22Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
23Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good. 24A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 12:17–19 | Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” |
| 2 | 1 Thessalonians 5:15 | Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. |
| 3 | Proverbs 24:29 | Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.” |
| 4 | Proverbs 17:13 | If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 3:9 | Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 32:35 | Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” |
| 7 | 1 Peter 2:23 | When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. |
| 8 | Matthew 5:39 | But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; |
| 9 | 1 Peter 4:19 | So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. |
| 10 | 2 Samuel 16:12 | Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.” |
Proverbs 20:22 Summary
This verse is telling us not to try to get revenge when someone wrongs us, but instead to trust in God and wait for Him to take care of the situation. When we try to take matters into our own hands, we can make things worse and get into more trouble. But when we wait on the Lord, He promises to save us and take care of us (as seen in Psalm 37:40). By trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, we can have peace and confidence, even in difficult situations (as seen in Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'avenge this evil' in Proverbs 20:22?
It refers to taking personal revenge or retaliation when we have been wronged, rather than trusting in God's justice and timing, as seen in Romans 12:19, which says 'do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to God's wrath'
Why should we wait on the Lord instead of taking matters into our own hands?
Waiting on the Lord allows us to trust in His sovereignty and timing, as stated in Psalm 27:14, which says 'wait on the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait on the LORD'
How can we be sure that God will save us if we wait on Him?
We can trust in God's faithfulness and promises, such as Psalm 37:40, which says 'the LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him'
What are the consequences of not waiting on the Lord and taking matters into our own hands?
Taking matters into our own hands can lead to further conflict, harm, and sin, as seen in the story of Samson in Judges 14-16, where his desire for personal revenge led to chaos and destruction
Reflection Questions
- In what situations do I feel the urge to 'avenge evil' or take matters into my own hands, and how can I instead choose to wait on the Lord?
- What are some ways I can practically wait on the Lord, such as through prayer, meditation, or seeking wise counsel?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and timing when it seems like justice is not being served or my situation is not being resolved?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender my desire for control and instead trust in God's plan and provision?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:22
Say not thou, I will recompense evil,.... With evil; do an injury to one that has done one to you; private revenge is not to be taken, but should be left to God, to whom vengeance belongs,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:22
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee. Say not thou, I will recompense evil - for evil: I will avenge myself. Romans 12:17; Romans 12:19 alludes to this, as also to Proverbs 25:21-22.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:22
Say not thou in thy heart; give not way to any such evil thoughts or purposes. Wait on the Lord, to whom it belongs to execute vengeance, and to deliver his people from all their enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:22
Proverbs 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.Ver. 22. Say not thou, I will recompense evil.] Much less, swear it, as some miscreants do; to whom, Est vindicta bonum, et vita dulcius ipsa. In reason, tallying of injuries is but justice. It is the first office of justice, saith Cicero, to hurt nobody, unless first provoked by injury. Whereupon Lactantius; O quam simplicem veramque sententiam, saith he, duorum verboram adiectione corrupit! Oh what a dainty sentence marred the orator by adding those two last words! How much better Seneca! Immane verbum est ultio. Revenge is a base word, but a worse deed; it being no less an offence to requite an injury than to offer it, as Lactantius hath it. The mild and milken man, as his name speaks him, was such an enemy to revenge, that he dislikes the waging either of law or of war with any that have wronged us.
Wherein, though I cannot be of his mind, yet I am clearly of the opinion that not revenge, but right should be sought in both. Neither can I hold it valour, but rashness, in our Richard I, who, being told, as he sat at supper, that the French king had besieged his town of Vernoil in Normandy, protested that he would not turn his back until he had confronted the French; and thereupon he caused the wall of his palace that was before him to be broken down toward the south, and posted to the sea coast immediately into Normandy. But wait on the Lord.] Who claims vengeance as his, and will strike in for the patient, as he did, Numbers 12:2-3. While Moses is dumb, God speaks; deaf, God hears and stirs. Make God your chancellor in case no law will relieve, and you shall do yourselves no disservice. If compelled to go a mile, rather than revenge, go two, yea, as far as the shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace will carry you, and God will bring you back "with everlasting joy." This is the way to be even with him that wrongs you, nay, to be above him. Non minus mali est injuriam referre quam inferre. - Lact. lnstit., lib. vi. c. 20.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:22
(22) Wait on the Lord and he shall save thee.—Do not look for vengeance on enemies (for they are to be forgiven), but for deliverance from their attacks; forget their malice, remember only God’s love for thee, and trust in Him. (Comp. 1 Peter 3:13, Romans 8:28.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:22
Verse 22. I will recompense evil] Wait on the Lord; judgment is his, and his judgments are sure. In the mean time pray for the conversion of your enemy.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:22
22. Comp. Romans 12:17; Romans 12:19.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:22
God’s awarding to everyone according to his works, is the true check to the spirit of vindictiveness (compare Romans 12:17, Romans 12:19).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:22
22. Recompense evil — Take vengeance, inflict punishment, render evil for evil. He shall save thee — Or help thee; or, let him help thee: not only do right by thee, but save thee from further injuries. So generally understood.
Sermons on Proverbs 20:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Samuel) How to Overcome Evil With Good by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and Saul from the Bible. He highlights the moment when David had the opportunity to kill Saul but instead chose to cut of |
|
Forget and Forgive by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and patience in the face of wrongdoing, urging believers not to seek revenge but to wait on the Lord for deliverance. He warn |
|
1 Peter 2:23 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the profound example set by Jesus in 1 Peter 2:23, illustrating how Christ, when reviled and mistreated, chose not to retaliate but instead responded with pati |
|
Noble Revenge by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett preaches on the noble act of delivering kindness to enemies, drawing inspiration from Psalm 7:4. He emphasizes that responding to evil with good is godly, while r |
|
Christ Overcame Evil With Good, Do the Same by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and the need to overcome evil with good. He highlights the concept of giving water and food to one's enemies and wanti |
|
Forgiveness - Part 9 by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and love towards those who have wronged us, highlighting the need for God's grace to enable us to forgive effortlessly and show |
|
Peter the Teacher by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the idea of loving life and seeing good days. He emphasizes that many people in the world may have good days, but they do not truly love lif |