Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl—Proverbs 20:1-6 Dealing With Fools IIIa

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Proverbs 20:1–6

[1] Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,

and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

[2] The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;

whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.

[3] It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,

but every fool will be quarreling.

[4] The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;

he will seek at harvest and have nothing.

[5] The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water,

but a man of understanding will draw it out.

[6] Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,

but a faithful man who can find? (ESV)

Dealing With Fools IIIa

v.1 This proverb is the first to warn about the dangers of abusing alcohol. It cautions that overindulgence leads to fighting and loosing the tongue to the point it says things it would not otherwise utter, disconnected from the wisdom one would otherwise employ in his speech. Other proverbs on this topic are Proverbs 23:20–21, 29–35; 31:4–7.

v.2 This verse recalls the theme of Proverbs 19:12. Here, the fool is depicted as poking and prodding a powerful person who, in this case, is already in a bad mood, like one who provokes a growing lion. When the fool does so, he risks having that angry mood turned upon him to great harm. If this is true of human leaders, how much more should we fear God and take refuge in Christ, who bore all of the Father's wrath for our sins on our behalf (Romans 3:25; 5:9)?

v.3 The wise man avoids needless conflict while the fool goes looking for discord or a fight. "Honor" typically refers to the eternal things to come (see Psalm 73:24). God promises everlasting glory to those who promote peace (Matthew 5:9; Ephesians 2:17) and trust in Christ (John 17:22, 24; Romans 5:2; 8:18).

v.4 This proverb uses an agricultural metaphor to illustrate a foolish attitude to work in general. The lazy person does not work when he has the opportunity and is so ignorant that he believes he should receive something for nothing later. The fool with no time for faith in this life will receive only damnation at God's harvest on the last day.

v.5 Divine Wisdom within the heart of the believer is like a deep pool (Proverbs 18:4; John 4:14; 7:38-39) and motivates him, acting as his counselor and guide. The wise man draws from this pool and uses it in all he does.

v.6 This proverb builds on the thought of verse five. A fool may claim to be loyal, but true faithfulness is found in the heart of the wise, whose outward acts speak to his true motivations. This is true of our faith and attitude toward God and is evidenced by our love for our neighbor.