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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 20:6 Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/20-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/20_Pro_20_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 20:6 - Wine is a Mocker" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?" /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/20-5.htm" title="Proverbs 20:5">◄</a> Proverbs 20:6 <a href="/proverbs/20-7.htm" title="Proverbs 20:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Many a person proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy person?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Many a man will call out his own lovingkindness, But a faithful man, who can find?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Many a man proclaims his own loyalty <i>and</i> goodness, But who can find a faithful <i>and</i> trustworthy man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Many a person proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy person?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness; But a faithful man who can find?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />There are many who say, "You can trust me!" But can they be trusted? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Most men wilt proclaim every one his own kindness: but a faithful man who can find?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Many people declare themselves loyal, but who can find someone who is [really] trustworthy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Everyone talks about how loyal and faithful he is, but just try to find someone who really is! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Many claim "I'm a loyal person!" but who can find someone who truly is?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Many people profess their loyalty, but a faithful person--who can find? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A multitude of men each proclaim his kindness, "" And a man of steadfastness who finds?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A multitude of men proclaim each his kindness, And a man of stedfastness who doth find?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The multitude of man will call each his mercy: and a man of faithfulness who shall find?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Many men are called merciful: but who shall find a faithful man? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Many men are called merciful. But who will find a faithful man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Many say, “My loyal friend,” but who can find someone worthy of trust? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Many proclaim themselves loyal, but who can find one worthy of trust?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Many men are considered merciful; but a faithful man who can find?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Many of the sons of men are called compassionate men, but who finds a trustworthy man?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness; But a faithful man who can find?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A man is valuable, and a merciful man precious: but <i>it is</i> hard to find a faithful man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/20-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3965" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Wine is a Mocker</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7230.htm" title="7230: rāḇ- (N-msc) -- Multitude, abundance, greatness. From rabab; abundance.">Many</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: yiq·rā (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">proclaims</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">his</a> <a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: ḥas·dōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">loving devotion,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">but who</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: yim·ṣā (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To attain to, find. ">can find</a> <a href="/hebrew/529.htm" title="529: ’ĕ·mū·nîm (N-mp) -- Faithfulness. From 'aman; established, i.e. trusty; also trustworthiness.">a trustworthy</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man?</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a></span><br />The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21-23</a></span><br />Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-9.htm">Luke 18:9-14</a></span><br />To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable: / “Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. / The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-17</a></span><br />What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18</a></span><br />Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Matthew 15:8</a></span><br />‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-2.htm">1 Corinthians 4:2</a></span><br />Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/12-1.htm">Psalm 12:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. According to Sheminith. A Psalm of David. Help, O LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. / They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a></span><br />But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Matthew 23:27-28</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. / In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-5.htm">2 Timothy 3:5</a></span><br />having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Romans 2:28-29</a></span><br />A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a></span><br />He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-16.htm">Titus 1:16</a></span><br />They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?</p><p class="hdg">proclaim</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/25-14.htm">Proverbs 25:14</a></b></br> Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift <i>is like</i> clouds and wind without rain.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/27-2.htm">Proverbs 27:2</a></b></br> Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Matthew 6:2</a></b></br> Therefore when thou doest <i>thine</i> alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.</p><p class="hdg">goodness</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/12-1.htm">Psalm 12:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-28.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:28</a></b></br> Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/5-1.htm">Jeremiah 5:1</a></b></br> Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be <i>any</i> that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/psalms/73-9.htm">Claim</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-3.htm">Claims</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-5.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Find</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-5.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/145-7.htm">Goodness</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-22.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-22.htm">Love</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-23.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-23.htm">Proclaims</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-20.htm">Stedfastness</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-5.htm">Trustworthy</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-22.htm">Unfailing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-6.htm">Claim</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-34.htm">Claims</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-28.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-13.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-21.htm">Find</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-14.htm">Good</a> <a href="/isaiah/63-7.htm">Goodness</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-28.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-13.htm">Love</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-15.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/isaiah/12-4.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-15.htm">Proclaims</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/isaiah/25-1.htm">Stedfastness</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-13.htm">Trustworthy</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-10.htm">Unfailing</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Proper Living</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Many a man proclaims his loving devotion</b><br>This phrase highlights the common human tendency to boast about one's own virtues, particularly loyalty and love. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, public declarations of loyalty were often made to establish one's reputation and social standing. This is similar to the modern concept of virtue signaling, where individuals express certain values to gain approval. The Bible frequently warns against empty words and encourages genuine actions (<a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-17</a>). The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" here is "chesed," which implies steadfast love and faithfulness, qualities that God Himself embodies (<a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6-7</a>). This sets a high standard for human relationships, reflecting God's covenantal love.<p><b>but who can find a trustworthy man?</b><br>This rhetorical question underscores the rarity of true faithfulness and integrity among people. In biblical times, as today, trustworthiness was a highly valued trait, essential for maintaining social and familial bonds. The scarcity of such individuals is lamented in other scriptures as well, such as in <a href="/micah/7-2.htm">Micah 7:2</a>, where the faithful have vanished from the land. This phrase also points to the ultimate fulfillment of trustworthiness in Jesus Christ, who is described as "faithful and true" (<a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Revelation 19:11</a>). The search for a trustworthy person can be seen as a type of the search for Christ, the only one who perfectly embodies these qualities.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human nature and relationships are reflected in this verse.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is rooted in ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_trustworthy_man.htm">The Trustworthy Man</a></b><br>This is a conceptual figure representing the ideal of faithfulness and reliability, which is rare according to the proverb.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_true_devotion.htm">The Nature of True Devotion</a></b><br>True devotion is not just about words but is demonstrated through consistent, faithful actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_rarity_of_trustworthiness.htm">The Rarity of Trustworthiness</a></b><br>In a world where many claim loyalty, genuine trustworthiness is a rare and valuable trait.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to examine their own lives to see if their actions align with their proclaimed devotion to God and others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_integrity.htm">The Importance of Integrity</a></b><br>Integrity is foundational to Christian character and witness. It involves being the same person in private as in public.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_help.htm">Seeking God’s Help</a></b><br>Recognizing our own shortcomings, we should seek God’s help to cultivate a heart of true faithfulness and reliability.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_punctuality.htm">What does the Bible teach about punctuality?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_all_religions_be_practiced_freely.htm">Can all religions be practiced freely without persecution?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_make_ethical_decisions.htm">How can we make ethical decisions effectively?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_psalm_96_13_with_other_judgments.htm">Psalm 96:13 promises God 'will judge the world in righteousness'; how do we reconcile this with other biblical passages depicting different criteria or timelines for divine judgment?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness.--</span>Will be full of his benevolent intentions, "but a faithful man," who carries out these promises, "who can find?"<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness;</span> <span class="accented">chesed</span>, "kindness," "mercy," "liberality," as in <a href="/proverbs/19-22.htm">Proverbs 19:22</a>. So Ewald and others, Hitzig and Kamphausen translate, "Many a man one names his dear friend;" Delitzsch and Nowack prefer, "Most men meet a man who is gracious to them;" <span class="accented">i.e.</span> it is common enough to meet a man who seems benevolent and well disposed. Vulgate, "Many men are called merciful;" Septuagint, "Man is a great thing, and a merciful man is a precious thing." The renderings of most modern commentators imply the statement that love and mercy are common enough, at least in outward expression. The Authorized Version pronounces that men are ready enough to parade and boast of their liberality, like the hypocrites who were said proverbially to sound a trumpet when they performed their almsdeeds (<a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Matthew 6:2</a>). Commenting on the Greek rendering of the clause given above, St. Chrysostom observes, "This is the true character of man to be merciful; yea, rather the character of God to show mercy... Those who answer not to this description, though they partake of mind, and are never so capable of knowledge, the Scripture refuses to acknowledge them as men, but calls them dogs, and horses, and serpents, and foxes, and wolves, and if there be any animals more contemptible" ('Hom. 4 in Phil.' and 'Hom. 13 in 1 Tim.,' Oxford transl.). The contrast between show, or promise, and performance is developed in the second clause. <span class="cmt_word">But a faithful man who can find?</span> The faithfulness intended is fidelity to promises, the practical execution of the vaunted benevolence; this is rare indeed, so that a psalmist could cry, "I said in my haste, All men are liars" (<a href="/psalms/116-11.htm">Psalm 116:11</a>; comp. <a href="/romans/3-4.htm">Romans 3:4</a>). Lesetre refers to Massillon's sermon, 'Sur la Gloire Humaine,' where we read (the preacher, of course, rests on the Latin Version), "Ces hommes vertueux dont le monde se fait tant d'honneur, n'ont au fond souvent pour eux que l'erreur publique. Amis fideles, je le veux; mais c'est le gout, la vanite ou Pin teret, qui les lie; et dans leur amis, ils n'amient qu' eux-memes En un mot, dit l'Ecriture, on les appelle misericordieux, ils ont toutes les vertus pour le public; mais n'etant pas fideles a Dieu, ils n'en ont pas une seule pour eux-memes." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/20-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Many</span><br /><span class="heb">רָב־</span> <span class="translit">(rāḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7230.htm">Strong's 7230: </a> </span><span class="str2">Multitude, abundance, greatness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a man</span><br /><span class="heb">אָדָ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">proclaims</span><br /><span class="heb">יִ֭קְרָא</span> <span class="translit">(yiq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֣ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">loving devotion,</span><br /><span class="heb">חַסְדּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥas·dōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2617.htm">Strong's 2617: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but who</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can find</span><br /><span class="heb">יִמְצָֽא׃</span> <span class="translit">(yim·ṣā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a trustworthy</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱ֝מוּנִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·mū·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_529.htm">Strong's 529: </a> </span><span class="str2">Established, trusty, trustworthiness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man?</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִ֥ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/20-6.htm">Proverbs 20:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20-6.htm">Proverbs 20:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/20-6.htm">Proverbs 20:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20-6.htm">Proverbs 20:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20-6.htm">Proverbs 20:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/20-6.htm">Proverbs 20:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/20-6.htm">Proverbs 20:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/20-6.htm">Proverbs 20:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/20-6.htm">Proverbs 20:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/20-6.htm">Proverbs 20:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/20-6.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:6 Many men claim to be men (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/20-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 20:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/20-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 20:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>