Proverbs Chapter Study
Wine Is a Mocker
Proverbs 20 (KJV)
Proverbs 20 teaches wisdom about self-control, honesty, counsel, work, justice, integrity, vengeance, family honor, and the fear of the LORD. Solomon warns that wine deceives, fools stir up strife, laziness leads to lack, dishonest weights are an abomination, and human steps are ordered by the LORD.
Proverbs 20 teaches that wisdom walks in self-control, honest judgment, faithful counsel, diligent work, and humble dependence on the LORD.
What You’ll Learn
- Why wine and strong drink can deceive a person
- How wisdom avoids strife while fools keep meddling
- Why diligence matters and laziness leads to lack
- How honest weights, honest work, and honest speech matter to God
- Why counsel is necessary before major decisions
- How to wait on the LORD instead of repaying evil
- Why man’s steps belong to the LORD
Wisdom walks in self-control, avoids strife, seeks counsel, works diligently, deals honestly, waits on the LORD, and remembers that man’s goings are of the LORD.
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Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.
Proverbs 20 (KJV)
Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Proverbs 20:2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
Proverbs 20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
Proverbs 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
Proverbs 20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
Proverbs 20:8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Proverbs 20:10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.
Proverbs 20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
Proverbs 20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
Proverbs 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
Proverbs 20:14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
Proverbs 20:15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
Proverbs 20:16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
Proverbs 20:17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
Proverbs 20:18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
Proverbs 20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Proverbs 20:20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
Proverbs 20:21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
Proverbs 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Proverbs 20:23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
Proverbs 20:24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
Proverbs 20:25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
Proverbs 20:26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
Proverbs 20:28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
Proverbs 20:30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
Verse-by-Verse Study
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Study: This verse warns that wine and strong drink can deceive, mock, and stir up disorder. Spiritually, wisdom refuses to be ruled by anything that clouds judgment. Practically, a person who lets alcohol control his words, emotions, or decisions is not walking wisely.
Proverbs 20:2
The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
Study: A ruler’s anger can be dangerous like the roar of a lion. Spiritually, this teaches reverence for authority and the seriousness of provoking judgment. Practically, wisdom does not needlessly stir up powerful opposition or act recklessly before authority.
Proverbs 20:3
It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
Study: It is honorable to step away from unnecessary conflict, but fools keep meddling. Spiritually, peace often requires restraint. Practically, wisdom knows when to stop arguing, stop stirring, and stop inserting itself into trouble.
Proverbs 20:4
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
Study: The lazy person avoids hard work when conditions are uncomfortable, then has nothing when harvest comes. Spiritually, neglect in the proper season leads to lack later. Practically, excuses made during preparation often become consequences during harvest.
Proverbs 20:5
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Study: Counsel can be deep within a person’s heart, and understanding knows how to draw it out. Spiritually, wisdom listens patiently and seeks what is beneath the surface. Practically, good questions, humility, and discernment can bring out wisdom that shallow conversation misses.
Proverbs 20:6
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
Study: Many people speak well of themselves, but true faithfulness is rare. Spiritually, God values proven character more than self-promotion. Practically, wisdom looks for consistency, reliability, and humility instead of trusting only what someone says about himself.
Proverbs 20:7
The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
Study: A righteous man walks in integrity, and his children are blessed after him. Spiritually, integrity leaves a legacy. Practically, a parent’s faithfulness, honesty, and obedience can shape a household long after individual decisions are made.
Proverbs 20:8
A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
Study: A righteous ruler who sits in judgment discerns and drives away evil. Spiritually, justice is meant to expose what is wicked. Practically, leadership requires moral clarity, courage, and the ability to confront wrong instead of ignoring it.
Proverbs 20:9
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Study: This verse confronts human pride and reminds us that no one can claim complete purity by his own power. Spiritually, the heart needs God’s mercy and cleansing. Practically, wisdom begins with humility instead of pretending we are without sin.
Proverbs 20:10
Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.
Study: Dishonest weights and measures are an abomination to the LORD. Spiritually, God cares about justice in business and daily dealings. Practically, manipulation, cheating, and hidden dishonesty may look profitable, but they are offensive to God.
Proverbs 20:11
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
Study: Even a child is known by actions, whether those actions are pure and right. Spiritually, character shows itself early through behavior. Practically, words matter, but patterns of action reveal what is truly being formed in the heart.
Proverbs 20:12
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
Study: The LORD made both the ear that hears and the eye that sees. Spiritually, our ability to perceive is a gift from God. Practically, we should use our hearing and sight with gratitude, discernment, and responsibility before the One who made them.
Proverbs 20:13
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
Study: Loving sleep can lead to poverty, while waking and working brings provision. Spiritually, wisdom resists comfort when duty calls. Practically, diligence, alertness, and responsibility help a person avoid unnecessary lack.
Proverbs 20:14
It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
Study: The buyer may criticize the value of something to get a better deal, then boast afterward. Spiritually, this exposes dishonest bargaining and selfish manipulation. Practically, wisdom does business with honesty instead of pretending something is worthless for personal gain.
Proverbs 20:15
There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
Study: Gold and rubies are valuable, but knowledge spoken wisely is even more precious. Spiritually, truth has greater worth than material treasure. Practically, wise words can guide, heal, correct, and enrich a life in ways money cannot.
Proverbs 20:16
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
Study: This verse warns about the danger of careless financial pledges and risky obligations. Spiritually, wisdom does not bind itself foolishly to unstable situations. Practically, promises, debts, and guarantees should be made with discernment, not emotion or pressure.
Proverbs 20:17
Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
Study: Deceit may seem sweet at first, but it becomes bitter and painful afterward. Spiritually, sin often promises pleasure before revealing its cost. Practically, dishonest gain may satisfy for a moment, but it eventually brings regret, consequence, and emptiness.
Proverbs 20:18
Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
Study: Plans are strengthened by counsel, and serious action requires good advice. Spiritually, wisdom is not proud or isolated. Practically, before major decisions, conflict, leadership moves, or risk, a wise person seeks sound counsel.
Proverbs 20:19
He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Study: A talebearer reveals secrets, and flattering lips can hide danger. Spiritually, unfaithful speech destroys trust. Practically, do not share sensitive matters with someone who gossips, flatters, or uses words to manipulate.
Proverbs 20:20
Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
Study: Cursing one’s father or mother brings deep consequence and darkness. Spiritually, dishonoring parents reflects rebellion against God’s order. Practically, even when family relationships are difficult, wisdom refuses contempt, cruelty, and dishonor.
Proverbs 20:21
An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
Study: Wealth gained too quickly or wrongly may not end in blessing. Spiritually, the way something is gained matters to God. Practically, rushing after inheritance, money, or advantage can produce conflict and loss instead of lasting blessing.
Proverbs 20:22
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Study: Wisdom refuses personal revenge and waits on the LORD. Spiritually, vengeance belongs to God, and trust releases the need to repay evil with evil. Practically, waiting on the LORD keeps a wounded person from making the situation worse through retaliation.
Proverbs 20:23
Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
Study: This verse repeats God’s hatred of dishonest weights and false balances. Spiritually, the LORD cares about truth in every transaction. Practically, hidden dishonesty in pricing, measuring, promises, or reporting is not a small matter before God.
Proverbs 20:24
Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
Study: A person’s steps are under the LORD’s hand, and man cannot fully understand his own way. Spiritually, God’s providence is greater than human understanding. Practically, wisdom plans humbly, prays earnestly, and trusts God when the path is unclear.
Proverbs 20:25
It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
Study: It is dangerous to treat holy things carelessly or make vows without sober thought. Spiritually, commitments before God are not casual. Practically, wisdom thinks before promising, pledging, dedicating, or making spiritual commitments.
Proverbs 20:26
A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
Study: A wise king deals firmly with wickedness. Spiritually, righteous authority does not protect evil. Practically, leadership sometimes requires hard action against destructive behavior so justice and order can be preserved.
Proverbs 20:27
The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
Study: The spirit of man is described as the candle of the LORD, searching the inner parts. Spiritually, God sees and searches what is inside. Practically, wisdom pays attention not only to outward behavior but to motives, conscience, and the hidden life.
Proverbs 20:28
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
Study: Mercy and truth preserve a ruler, and mercy upholds his throne. Spiritually, God-honoring leadership is not built on power alone. Practically, authority lasts best when it is marked by truth, justice, compassion, and faithful mercy.
Proverbs 20:29
The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
Study: Young men may glory in strength, while the gray head displays the beauty of age and experience. Spiritually, each season of life carries a gift from God. Practically, youth should use strength wisely, and age should be honored for wisdom, endurance, and perspective.
Proverbs 20:30
The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
Study: This verse shows that correction can reach deep places and cleanse evil. Spiritually, discipline may be painful, but it can expose and correct what is wrong within. Practically, consequences and correction can become mercy when they turn a person away from destructive paths.
Chapter Synopsis
Proverbs 20 teaches wisdom for self-control, work, leadership, speech, justice, and trust in the LORD. The chapter opens by warning that wine is a mocker and strong drink deceives those who are not wise. Solomon teaches that it is honorable to avoid strife, while fools keep meddling, and that laziness during the plowing season leads to lack in harvest. The chapter emphasizes the value of deep counsel, faithfulness, integrity, and honest business practices. It warns against deceit, gossip, dishonoring parents, hasty gain, careless vows, and personal revenge. Proverbs 20 also reminds the reader that man’s steps are of the LORD and that no person can fully understand his own way apart from God. The chapter closes with instruction about righteous correction, mercy and truth in leadership, the value of both youth and age, and the cleansing purpose of discipline.
Prayer
Lord, give me wisdom to walk in self-control, integrity, honesty, and diligence. Keep me from deception, strife, gossip, laziness, revenge, careless vows, and dishonest gain. Teach me to seek wise counsel, speak with knowledge, honor my family, and wait on You when I am wronged. Help me remember that my steps belong to You and that I cannot fully understand my own way without Your guidance. Search my heart, correct what is wrong, and lead me in mercy and truth. Amen.
Personal Application
Walk in Self-Control
Refuse anything that clouds your judgment, stirs up foolishness, or leads you away from wisdom.
Seek Counsel Before Acting
Before major decisions, conflict, or risk, slow down and draw out wise counsel instead of moving alone.
Deal Honestly
Reject hidden dishonesty, manipulation, false balances, and deceitful gain in business, relationships, and speech.
Wait on the LORD
Do not repay evil with evil. Trust the LORD to save, guide, correct, and order your steps.
Weekly Actions
- Read Proverbs 20 every day this week
- Memorize Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 20:5, Proverbs 20:7, Proverbs 20:22, or Proverbs 20:24
- Identify one area where you need more self-control
- Choose to step away from one unnecessary argument or conflict
- Seek wise counsel before making one important decision
- Review your work, money, and speech for any hidden dishonesty
- Pray through Proverbs 20:24 and submit your steps to the LORD
Chapter Summary
Proverbs 20 is a chapter about self-control, honesty, counsel, diligence, justice, and dependence on the LORD. It warns that wine deceives, fools stir up strife, laziness leads to poverty, and dishonest weights are an abomination to God. Solomon teaches that true faithfulness is rare, integrity blesses the next generation, wise counsel establishes plans, and knowledgeable speech is more precious than gold or rubies. The chapter also warns against gossip, dishonoring parents, hasty gain, careless vows, and revenge. A key truth in the chapter is Proverbs 20:24, which teaches that man’s goings are of the LORD and that a person cannot fully understand his own way apart from God. Proverbs 20 calls the reader to live with wisdom, honesty, patience, humility, and trust in the LORD’s direction.
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