New English Translation
Proverbs 20:22
22Do not say, “I will pay back evil!” Wait for the Lord, so that he may vindicate you.
Proverbs 20:22 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.
- New International Version (NIV)Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Do not say, “I will recompense evil”; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.
Context of Proverbs 20:22
20The one who curses his father and his mother, his lamp will be extinguished in the blackest darkness. 21An inheritance gained easily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end. Do not say, “I will pay back evil!” Wait for the Lord, so that he may vindicate you. 23The Lord abhors differing weights, and dishonest scales are wicked. 24The steps of a person are ordained by the Lord – so how can anyone understand his own way?
Read all of Proverbs 20Proverbs 20:22 word by word
אַל־תֹּאמַ֥ר אֲשַׁלְּמָה־רָ֑ע קַוֵּ֥ה לַֽ֝יהוָ֗ה וְיֹ֣שַֽׁע לָֽךְ׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 20:22
- Proverbs 17:13As for the one who repays evil for good, evil will not leave his house.
- Proverbs 24:29Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will pay him back according to what he has done.”
- Deuteronomy 32:35I will get revenge and pay them back at the time their foot slips; for the day of their disaster is near, and the impending judgment is rushing upon them!”
- Romans 12:17Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.
- 1 Peter 3:9Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing.
- 2 Samuel 6:12David was told, “The Lord has blessed the family of Obed-Edom and everything he owns because of the ark of God.” So David went and joyfully brought the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David.
- Psalms 27:14Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
- Psalms 37:34Rely on the Lord! Obey his commands! Then he will permit you to possess the land; you will see the demise of evil men.
- Isaiah 40:31But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired.
- Lamentations 3:25The Lord is good to those who trust in him, to the one who seeks him.
- 1 Peter 2:23When he was maligned, he did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened no retaliation, but committed himself to God who judges justly.
- 1 Peter 4:19So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as they do good.
Commentaries on Proverbs 20:22
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 22I will recompense evil - Wait on the Lord; judgment is his, and his judgments are sure. In the mean time pray for the conversion of your enemy.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 22God‘s awarding to everyone according to his works, is the true check to the spirit of vindictiveness (compare Romans 12:17, Romans 12:19). Note that man is not told to wait on the Lord in expectation of seeing vengeance on his enemies, but “He shall save thee.” The difference of the two hopes, in their effect upon the man‘s character, is incalculable.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 22Verse 22 Wait on the Lord, attend his pleasure, and he will protect thee.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 22See also Romans 12:17–21.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2222. (Compare Psa 27:14; Ro 12:17-19).Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 20:22
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 20
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
New English Translation — © 1996-2016 Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C.
Commentaries