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wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Say not thou, I will recompense evil; <i>but</i> wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will recompense evil”; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not say, &#8220I will repay evil"; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Hope in Yahweh, and He will save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait [expectantly] for the LORD, and He will rescue <i>and</i> save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t say, “I will avenge this evil! ” Wait on the LORD, and he will rescue you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217t say, &#8220I will avenge this evil!&#8221 Wait on the LORD, and He will rescue you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Say not thou, I will recompense evil: Wait for Jehovah, and he will save thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't try to get even. Trust the LORD, and he will help you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Say not thou, I will recompense evil: wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do not say, "I'll get even with you!" Wait for the LORD, and he will save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't take it on yourself to repay a wrong. Trust the LORD and he will make it right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't say "I'll avenge that wrong!" Wait on the LORD and he will deliver you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not say, ?I will avenge this evil!? Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not say, "I will pay back evil!" Wait for the LORD, so that he may vindicate you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not say, "I will pay back evil." Wait for the LORD, and he will save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not say, “I repay evil,” "" Wait for YHWH, and He delivers you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Do not say, 'I recompense evil,' Wait for Jehovah, and He delivereth thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not say, I will requite evil; wait for Jehovah, he will save to thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Say not: I will return evil: wait for the Lord and he will deliver thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will repay evil.” Wait for the Lord, and he will free you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will repay evil!” Wait for the LORD, who will help you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the LORD, and he will help you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Do not say, I will recompense evil; but wait for the LORD that he may save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not say, "I shall pay evil instead of good”, but wait for LORD JEHOVAH that he may save you.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Say not thou: 'I will requite evil'; Wait for the LORD, and He will save thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Say not, I will avenge myself on my enemy; but wait on the Lord, that he may help thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/20-22.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=4081" 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">21</span>An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end. <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: tō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7999.htm" title="7999: ’ă·šal·lə·māh- (V-Piel-Imperf.Cohort-1cs) -- A primitive root; to be safe; figuratively, to be completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate.">“I will avenge</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">this evil!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/6960.htm" title="6960: qaw·wêh (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To bind together, collect, to expect. A primitive root; to bind together, i.e. Collect; to expect.">Wait</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">on the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3467.htm" title="3467: wə·yō·ša‘ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf.Jus-3ms) -- To deliver. A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. to be safe; causatively, to free or succor.">and He will save</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">you.</a> </span><span class="reftext">23</span>Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good.…<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="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39-41</a></span><br />But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; / if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; / and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Psalm 37:7-9</a></span><br />Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. / Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm. / For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a></span><br />Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-29</a></span><br />But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. / If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-30.htm">Hebrews 10:30</a></span><br />For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/94-1.htm">Psalm 94:1</a></span><br />O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a></span><br />Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-10.htm">1 Samuel 26:10-11</a></span><br />David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-29.htm">Proverbs 24:29</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-7.htm">James 5:7-8</a></span><br />Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. / You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-14.htm">Exodus 14:14</a></span><br />The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-18.htm">Isaiah 30:18</a></span><br />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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Say not you, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save you.</p><p class="hdg">I</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm">Proverbs 17:13</a></b></br> Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/24-29.htm">Proverbs 24:29</a></b></br> Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a></b></br> To me <i>belongeth</i> vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in <i>due</i> time: for the day of their calamity <i>is</i> at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.</p><p class="hdg">wait</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/6-12.htm">2 Samuel 6:12</a></b></br> And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that <i>pertaineth</i> unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/27-14.htm">Psalm 27:14</a></b></br> Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-34.htm">Psalm 37:34</a></b></br> Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see <i>it</i>.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/19-19.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-25.htm">Delivereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-18.htm">Help</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-28.htm">I'll</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-19.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-19.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-14.htm">Recompense</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Repay</a> <a href="/psalms/103-10.htm">Requite</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-5.htm">Save</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-25.htm">Saviour</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-6.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-23.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-24.htm">Delivereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-30.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-13.htm">Help</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-29.htm">I'll</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-22.htm">Recompense</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-12.htm">Repay</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-12.htm">Requite</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Save</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-11.htm">Saviour</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-28.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-28.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-21.htm">Wrong</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>Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!”</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the biblical principle of leaving vengeance to God. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, personal retribution was common, but the Law given through Moses (<a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a>) instructed the Israelites to love their neighbors and not seek revenge. This aligns with the New Testament teaching in <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a>, where Paul instructs believers to leave room for God's wrath. The desire for personal vengeance can lead to a cycle of violence and bitterness, which is contrary to the peace and forgiveness taught by Jesus (<a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">Matthew 5:38-39</a>).<p><b>Wait on the LORD,</b><br>Waiting on the LORD is a recurring theme in Scripture, signifying trust and patience in God's timing and justice. In the historical context, waiting on God was a call to faithfulness amidst trials and injustices. <a href="/psalms/27-14.htm">Psalm 27:14</a> and <a href="/isaiah/40-31.htm">Isaiah 40:31</a> both encourage believers to wait on the LORD, promising strength and renewal. This waiting is not passive but involves active trust and hope in God's promises and character. It reflects a deep reliance on God's sovereignty and wisdom, acknowledging that His ways and timing are perfect.<p><b>and He will save you.</b><br>This assurance of salvation is a promise of divine intervention and deliverance. In the Old Testament, God's salvation often referred to physical deliverance from enemies, as seen in the stories of the Exodus and the battles of Israel. However, it also points to spiritual salvation, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who delivers believers from sin and eternal death (<a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16-17</a>). This phrase connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, where ultimate salvation is found in Christ, the true Savior. It reassures believers that God is their protector and deliverer, both in temporal circumstances and in the eternal sense.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_speaker.htm">The Speaker</a></b><br>The author of Proverbs, traditionally King Solomon, who is imparting wisdom to the reader or listener.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>Refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who is portrayed as the ultimate deliverer and judge.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_reader/listener.htm">The Reader/Listener</a></b><br>The intended audience of Proverbs, which includes the people of Israel and, by extension, all who seek wisdom from the Scriptures.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_context_of_evil.htm">The Context of Evil</a></b><br>The situation or event where one might feel wronged or harmed, prompting a desire for personal vengeance.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/deliverance.htm">Deliverance</a></b><br>The act of God intervening to bring justice or relief to those who wait on Him.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>Believers are called to trust that God is just and will right the wrongs in His perfect timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/patience_in_adversity.htm">Patience in Adversity</a></b><br>Waiting on the Lord requires patience and faith, especially when wronged. This patience is a testament to one's faith in God's sovereignty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_bitterness.htm">Avoiding Bitterness</a></b><br>Seeking personal revenge can lead to bitterness and sin. By leaving vengeance to God, believers can maintain a pure heart.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_waiting.htm">Active Waiting</a></b><br>Waiting on the Lord is not passive; it involves prayer, seeking God's will, and maintaining a righteous life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ's_character.htm">Reflecting Christ's Character</a></b><br>By not avenging ourselves, we reflect the character of Christ, who entrusted Himself to the Father even in suffering.<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/how_does_the_bible_handle_mean_people.htm">What does the Bible advise about handling mean people?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_psalm_109's_vengeance_cultural_or_universal.htm">How can we determine whether the psalm’s language of vengeance (Psalm 109) is historically or culturally rooted rather than universally prescriptive? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_'eye_for_eye'_with_'turn_cheek'.htm">How can the “eye for an eye” principle (Leviticus 24:19–20) be reconciled with New Testament teachings like “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:38–39)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_a_man_seek_ruthless_vengeance.htm">What drives a man to seek vengeance so ruthlessly?</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>(22) <span class= "bld">Wait on the Lord and he shall save thee.--</span>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. <a href="/1_peter/3-13.htm" title="And who is he that will harm you, if you be followers of that which is good?">1Peter 3:13</a>, <a href="/romans/8-28.htm" title="And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.">Romans 8:28</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Say not thou, I will recompense</span> <span class="cmt_word">evil</span> (<a href="/proverbs/24-29.htm">Proverbs 24:29</a>). The <span class="accented">jus talonis</span> is the natural feeling of man, to do to others as they have done unto you, to requite evil with evil. But the moralist teaches a better lesson, urging men not to study revenge, and approaching nearer to Christ's injunction, which gives the law of charity, "Whatsoever <span class="accented">ye would</span> (<span class="greek">οπσα α}ν θέλητε</span>) that men should do to you, do ye even so to them" (<a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a>). The Christian rule is expounded fully by St. Paul (<a href="/romans/12-14.htm">Romans 12:14, 17</a>, etc). It was not unknown to the Jews; for we read in Tobit 4:15, "Do that to no man which thou hatest;" and Hillel enjoins, "Do not thou that to thy neighbour which thou hatest when it is done to thee." Even the heathens had excogitated this great principle. There is a saying of Aristotle, preserved by Diogenes Laertius, "Act towards your friends as you would wish them to act towards you." The Chinese have a proverb, "Water does not remain on the mountain, or vengeance in a great mind." <span class="cmt_word">Wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.</span> The pious writer urges the injured person to commit his cause to the Lord, not in the hope of seeing vengeance taken on his enemy, but in the certainty that God will help him to bear the wrong and deliver him in his own good time and way. The Christian takes St. Peter's view, "Who is he that will harm you if ye be followers of that which is good?" (<a href="/1_peter/3-13.htm">1 Peter 3:13</a>), knowing that "all things work together for good to them that love God" (<a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a>; comp. Ecclus. 2:2, 6). Septuagint, "Say not, I will avenge myself on my enemy, but wait on the Lord, that (<span class="greek">ἵνα</span>) he may help thee." The last clause may be grammatically rendered thus, but it is more in accordance with the spirit st' the proverb, as Delitzsch observes, to regard it as a promise. Vulgate, <span class="accented">et liberabit te.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/20-22.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">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">say,</span><br /><span class="heb">תֹּאמַ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(tō·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“I will avenge</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשַׁלְּמָה־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šal·lə·māh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7999.htm">Strong's 7999: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this evil!”</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֑ע</span> <span class="translit">(rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Wait</span><br /><span class="heb">קַוֵּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(qaw·wêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6960.htm">Strong's 6960: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bind together, collect, to expect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַֽ֝יהוָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and He will deliver</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיֹ֣שַֽׁע</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yō·ša‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3467.htm">Strong's 3467: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you.</span><br /><span class="heb">לָֽךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:22 Don't say I will pay back evil (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/20-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 20:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/20-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 20:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:23" /></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>