Proverbs 20:6
Proverbs 20:6 in Multiple Translations
Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness; But a faithful man who can find?
Most men make no secret of their kind acts: but where is a man of good faith to be seen?
Many people tell you they're loyal, but can you find someone really trustworthy?
Many men wil boast, euery one of his owne goodnes: but who can finde a faithfull man?
A multitude of men proclaim each his kindness, And a man of stedfastness who doth find?
Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man?
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
Many men are called merciful: but who shall find a faithful man?
Many people proclaim that they can be trusted to do what they say that they will do, but it is very difficult to find [RHQ] someone who can really be trusted.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:6
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 20:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רָב
אָדָ֗ם
יִ֭קְרָא
אִ֣ישׁ
חַסְדּ֑/וֹ
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
אֱ֝מוּנִ֗ים
מִ֣י
יִמְצָֽא
רָב
rôb
H7230
abundance
N-cs
אָדָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
יִ֭קְרָא
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
חַסְדּ֑/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
אֱ֝מוּנִ֗ים
ʼêmûwn
H529
faithful
N-mp
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יִמְצָֽא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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 20:6
רָב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
אָדָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
יִ֭קְרָא
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
חַסְדּ֑/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֱ֝מוּנִ֗ים
ʼêmûwn
H529
"faithful"
N-mp
Faithful means being trustworthy and reliable, like God's promises in the Bible. It describes someone who is loyal and true to their word. This word is used in the Old Testament to describe God's faithfulness.
Definition: 1) faithfulness, trusting 1a) faithful, trusty (as adj.)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: faith(-ful), truth. See also: Deuteronomy 32:20; Proverbs 14:5; Proverbs 13:17.
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יִמְצָֽא
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:6
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:6
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:6
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:6
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
4The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.
5The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
6Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?
7The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him. 8A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 12:1 | Help, O LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. |
| 2 | Matthew 6:2 | So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. |
| 3 | Luke 18:8 | I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” |
| 4 | Proverbs 25:14 | Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given. |
| 5 | Luke 22:33 | “Lord,” said Peter, “I am ready to go with You even to prison and to death.” |
| 6 | Luke 18:11 | The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. |
| 7 | Proverbs 27:2 | Let another praise you, and not your own mouth— a stranger, and not your own lips. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 5:1 | “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem. Look now and take note; search her squares. If you can find a single person, anyone who acts justly, anyone who seeks the truth, then I will forgive the city. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 12:11 | I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. |
| 10 | Micah 7:2 | The godly man has perished from the earth; there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt one another with a net. |
Proverbs 20:6 Summary
This verse is saying that lots of people claim to love and care about others, but it's hard to find someone who is truly trustworthy. It's like when someone says they'll do something, but they don't always follow through. To be a trustworthy person, we need to be faithful and do what we say we'll do, as seen in Proverbs 20:6 and supported by the value of keeping our word in Psalm 15:4. We can learn from this by being honest and reliable in our own relationships, just like God is faithful to us, as promised in Deuteronomy 7:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to proclaim one's loving devotion?
This refers to when someone claims to have strong affection or loyalty, but it may not necessarily be genuine, as seen in the contrast with finding a trustworthy man, emphasizing the importance of true faithfulness, as taught in Proverbs 20:6 and supported by the value of integrity in Proverbs 10:9.
Why is it hard to find a trustworthy man?
The verse highlights the rarity of finding someone who is genuinely reliable and faithful, which is a theme also found in Psalm 12:1, where the prophet laments the scarcity of faithful people, underscoring the significance of cultivating trustworthiness in our own lives.
How does this verse relate to our relationships?
This verse reminds us to be cautious in our relationships and to look for people who demonstrate trustworthiness through their actions, not just their words, as advised in Proverbs 27:6, where it says that the wounds of a friend are faithful.
What does this teach us about our own character?
It teaches us the importance of being a person of integrity and faithfulness, so that we can be the kind of trustworthy individuals that are hard to find, as encouraged in Proverbs 28:20, where it promises a good outcome for the faithful.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I proclaim my loving devotion to God and others, and is it backed up by my actions?
- How can I cultivate trustworthiness in my own life, so that I can be a reliable and faithful friend, family member, or community member?
- What are some ways that I can discern whether someone is genuinely trustworthy, and how can I apply this discernment in my relationships?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my faithfulness to God, even when it's difficult or unpopular, and what does this say about my character?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:6
Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness,.... As the Pharisee did, in Lu 18:11; and as the Pharisees in common did; who did all their works to be seen of men, and made clean the outside of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:6
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:6
Most men are forward to profess religion, and speak of their own good deeds; but a faithful man, one who is indeed what he seemeth and professeth himself to be, who can find? there are but few such to be found.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:6
Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?Ver. 6. Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness.] As the kings of Egypt would needs be called Eυεργεται, bountiful, or benefactors, many of the Popes Pii and Bonifacii &c. The Turks will needs be styled the only Mussulmans or true believers, as Papists the only Catholics. The Swenkfeldians - Stinkfeldians, Luther called them, from the ill savour of their opinions - intituled themselves with that glorious name, The confessors of the glory of Christ. David George, that monstrous heretic, that was so far from accounting adulteries, fornications, incests, &c., for being any sins, that he did recommend them to his most perfect scholars, as acts of grace and mortification, &c.; yet he was wonderfully confident of the absolute truth of his tenets, and doubted not but that the whole world would soon submit to him and hold with him. He wrote to Charles the emperor, and the rest of the states of Germany, a humble and serious admonition, as he styled it, written by the command of the omnipotent God, diligently to be obeyed, because it contained those things whereupon eternal life did depend. But a faithful man who can find.] Diaconos paucitas honorabiles fecit, saith Jerome. The paucity of pious persons makes them precious. Perraro grati reperiuntur, saith Cicero. It is hard to find a thankful man.
Faithful friends are in this age all for the most part gone in pilgrimage, and their return is uncertain, said the Duke of Buckingham to Bishop Morton in Richard III’ s, time. Schlussenb. Hist. Dav. Georg. Daniel’ s Hist.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:6
(6) Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness.—Will be full of his benevolent intentions, “but a faithful man,” who carries out these promises, “who can find?”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:6
Verse 6. Most men will proclaim] Many men merciful ben clepid: a feithful man forsoth, who schal finde? - Old MS. Bible.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:6
6. goodness] i.e. bounty, A.V. marg., or kindness, R.V. Fair promises are common, but faithful performance of them is rare. Comp. 2 Corinthians 8:11; 2 Corinthians 9:4. The first clause of the verse is otherwise rendered: Many a man will meet one that is kind to him, R.V. marg., but, as the next clause adds, seldom one that he can trust.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:6
Goodness - With the special sense of bounty, beneficence. Contrast promise and performance. People boast of their liberality, yet we look in vain for the fulfillment of actual obligations.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:6
6. Most… proclaim… own goodness — Will make known, or publish, his own kindness.
Sermons on Proverbs 20:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Loyalty by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Jonathan from the Bible and how his loyalty to God and his faith inspired others. The speaker emphasizes the importance of e |
|
(Proverbs) ch.20:6 - 21:8 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of diligence and hard work in both earthly and spiritual matters. He references the book of Proverbs, which repeatedly teache |
|
Paul Before Agrippa - Part 4 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, constancy, and stability in relationships, drawing parallels between human vows and God's faithfulness. It highlights the nee |
|
Demonstration 1 (Of Faith) by Aphraates | Aphraates preaches about the importance of faith as the foundation of all good works, emphasizing that faith in Christ is the cornerstone upon which the entire structure of a belie |
|
Preserve the Word by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon shares the powerful testimony of a man who endured 14 years in communist jails, highlighting the joy of seeing children, the physical challenges faced in prison, the st |
|
The Destiny of Man by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling our destiny as Christians. He explains that our destiny is to live for the glory and honor of |
|
|
Where Have You Taken Jesus? by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the struggle of being in a religious environment that is disconnected from the true heart of God. They emphasize the importance of being touch |