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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Proverbs 20:22–28

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.
Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good.
Man’s goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?
It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry.
A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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7 selected · 3 available

Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

35 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 22

  1. Romans 12:17–19Rank 1 from verse 22
    Open

    17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

    18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

    19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

  2. 1 Thessalonians 5:15Rank 2 from verse 22
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    15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

  3. Proverbs 24:29Rank 3 from verse 22
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    29Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

  4. Proverbs 17:13Rank 4 from verse 22
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    13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

  5. 1 Peter 3:9Rank 5 from verse 22
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    9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

From verse 23

  1. Proverbs 20:10Rank 1 from verse 23
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    10Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord.

  2. Hosea 12:7Rank 2 from verse 23
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    7He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress.

  3. Ezekiel 45:10Rank 3 from verse 23
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    10Ye shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath.

  4. Proverbs 11:1Rank 4 from verse 23
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    1A FALSE balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.

  5. Amos 8:5Rank 5 from verse 23
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    5Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?

From verse 24

  1. Proverbs 16:9Rank 1 from verse 24
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    9A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

  2. Jeremiah 10:23Rank 2 from verse 24
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    23¶ O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

  3. Psalms 25:12Rank 3 from verse 24
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    12What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.

  4. Psalms 37:23Rank 4 from verse 24
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    23The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

  5. Psalms 25:4Rank 5 from verse 24
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    4Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.

From verse 25

  1. Ecclesiastes 5:4–6Rank 1 from verse 25
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    4When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

    5Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

    6Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

  2. Matthew 5:33Rank 2 from verse 25
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    33¶ Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

  3. Leviticus 27:9–10Rank 3 from verse 25
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    9And if it be a beast, whereof men bring an offering unto the Lord, all that any man giveth of such unto the Lord shall be holy.

    10He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good: and if he shall at all change beast for beast, then it and the exchange thereof shall be holy.

  4. Leviticus 5:15Rank 4 from verse 25
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    15If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the Lord; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:

  5. Malachi 3:8–10Rank 5 from verse 25
    Open

    8¶ Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

    9Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

    10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

From verse 26

  1. Proverbs 20:8Rank 1 from verse 26
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    8A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

  2. 2 Samuel 12:31Rank 2 from verse 26
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    31And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.

  3. 2 Samuel 4:9–12Rank 3 from verse 26
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    9¶ And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the Lord liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity,

    10When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:

    11How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?

    12And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.

  4. Isaiah 28:27–28Rank 4 from verse 26
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    27For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod.

    28Bread corn is bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen.

  5. Psalms 101:5–8Rank 5 from verse 26
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    5Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

    6Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

    7He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

    8I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord.

From verse 27

  1. 1 Corinthians 2:11Rank 1 from verse 27
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    11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

  2. Hebrews 4:12–13Rank 2 from verse 27
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    12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

    13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

  3. Job 32:8Rank 3 from verse 27
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    8But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

  4. 1 John 3:19–21Rank 4 from verse 27
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    19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

    20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

    21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

  5. Genesis 2:7Rank 5 from verse 27
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    7And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

From verse 28

  1. Proverbs 16:12Rank 1 from verse 28
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    12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

  2. Proverbs 29:14Rank 2 from verse 28
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    14The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

  3. Psalms 101:1Rank 3 from verse 28
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    1I WILL sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing.

  4. Psalms 26:1Rank 4 from verse 28
    Open

    1JUDGE me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.

  5. Isaiah 16:5Rank 5 from verse 28
    Open

    5And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 20:22

COMBINED MEANING

say

↗

Sense 1: To speak, declare, tell, or express. Sense 2: What is said.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

thou

↗

The singular second-person subject pronoun, meaning you when directly addressing one person, being, or individually treated addressee.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

recompense

↗

Sense 1: Compensation, reward, repayment, or amends given in return for something done, given, or suffered. Sense 2: To reward, repay, or requite.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

evil

↗

Sense 1: Moral wickedness, sin, wrong, or corruption. Sense 2: Harm, misery, calamity, adversity, or punishment.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

wait

↗

Sense 1: To remain in expectation or readiness. Sense 2: To attend or serve. Sense 3: As a noun, an ambush or concealed watch.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

on

↗

1. At, upon, or in contact with the named place, object, side, or time. 2. Toward, against, concerning, depending upon, or directed to the named person or thing. 3. Forward or continuing; in joined expressions such as go on, put on, and lay hold on, the other words supply the particular action.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

save

↗

Sense 1: To rescue, deliver, preserve, keep alive, heal, recover, or bring safely through. Sense 2: Except or apart from.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 20:23

COMBINED MEANING

weights

↗

Sense 1: Measures or objects used to determine heaviness. Sense 2: The standards by which things are weighed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

abomination

↗

Sense 1: A person, thing, act, practice, creature, or condition regarded as detestable or loathsome. Sense 2: An idol or idolatrous thing so regarded.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

false

↗

Not solid or sound; deceiving expectations. Not faithful or loyal; treacherous; perfidious; deceitful.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

balance

↗

A pair of scales or other weighing instrument used to determine equality or difference of weight.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

good

↗

Sense 1: Right, morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, useful, suitable, sound, favourable, or excellent. Sense 2: A good thing, benefit, welfare, possession, or goods. Sense 3: In ‘make good,’ to repair, repay, fulfil, establish, or prove.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 20:24

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 20:25

COMBINED MEANING

snare

↗

1. Figuratively, something that catches, entangles, endangers, or brings a person into bondage or restraint. 2. A trap, noose, or device for catching.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

holy

↗

Sense 1: Morally pure, righteous, undefiled, and separate from evil; supremely so of God. Sense 2: Hallowed, consecrated, set apart, devoted, or belonging to God or sacred use; distinguished from what is common, profane, or unclean.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

after

↗

1. Later than or following in time or order. 2. Behind. 3. In pursuit of.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

make

↗

To form, create, produce, cause, appoint, perform, or render into a stated condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 20:26

COMBINED MEANING

wise

↗

Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

king

↗

A sovereign ruler; one exercising royal authority over a kingdom.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

scattereth

↗

Disperses, spreads abroad, separates, drives away, casts in different directions, or causes what was gathered to be divided.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wheel

↗

Sense 1: A circular frame or body turning on an axle. Sense 2: A carriage or machine that moves or works by wheels.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 20:27

COMBINED MEANING

spirit

↗

Sense 1: An immaterial living or personal being distinct from a body. Sense 2: The inward life, disposition, mind, or courage of a person. Sense 3: The Holy Spirit, the divine Spirit of God.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

searching

↗

Present-participial or verbal-noun form of search, meaning to seek carefully, examine, explore, or inquire in order to find or know.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

inward

↗

1. Within or toward the inside. 2. Belonging to the inner person. 3. Intimate or close.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

parts

↗

Sense 1: Portions or divisions of a whole. Sense 2: Divides, separates, departs, or assigns shares.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 20:28

COMBINED MEANING

mercy

↗

Compassion or pity shown to the distressed or guilty; kindness that withholds deserved harm.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

truth

↗

1. That which is true; conformity to fact or reality. 2. Faithfulness. 3. God's revealed word.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

preserve

↗

To keep safe from harm, loss, decay, or destruction; to protect, maintain, or save.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

king

↗

A sovereign ruler; one exercising royal authority over a kingdom.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

upholden

↗

Held up, sustained, supported, preserved, strengthened, or kept from falling or failing.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

FOLLOW THE THEME

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Surrounding Verses

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21An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

22Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.

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23Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good.

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24Man’s goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?

Selected passage

25It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry.

Selected passage

26A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

Selected passage

27The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

Selected passage

28Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

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29The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

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