New Living Translation
Proverbs 20:8
8When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good.
Proverbs 20:8 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
- New International Version (NIV)When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
- English Standard Version (ESV)A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes.
- New King James Version (NKJV)A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters all evil with his eyes.
Context of Proverbs 20:8
6Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? 7The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good. 9Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin”? 10False weights and unequal measures— the Lord detests double standards of every kind.
Read all of Proverbs 20Proverbs 20:8 word by word
מֶ֗לֶךְ יוֹשֵׁ֥ב עַל־כִּסֵּא־דִ֑ין מְזָרֶ֖ה בְעֵינָ֣יו כָּל־רָֽע׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 20:8
- Proverbs 20:26A wise king scatters the wicked like wheat, then runs his threshing wheel over them.
- Proverbs 16:12A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice.
- Proverbs 29:14If a king judges the poor fairly, his throne will last forever.
- 1 Samuel 23:3But David’s men said, “We’re afraid even here in Judah. We certainly don’t want to go to Keilah to fight the whole Philistine army!”
- 2 Samuel 23:4is like the light of morning at sunrise, like a morning without clouds, like the gleaming of the sun on new grass after rain.’
- Psalms 72:4Help him to defend the poor, to rescue the children of the needy, and to crush their oppressors.
- Psalms 92:9Your enemies, Lord, will surely perish; all evildoers will be scattered.
- Psalms 99:4Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established fairness. You have acted with justice and righteousness throughout Israel.
- Psalms 101:6I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.
- Isaiah 32:1Look, a righteous king is coming! And honest princes will rule under him.
Commentaries on Proverbs 20:8
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 8A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment - Kings should see to the administration of the laws, as well as of the state transactions, of their kingdom. In the British constitution there is a court for the king, called the King's Bench, where he should sit, and where he is always supposed to be sitting. The eyes - the presence, of the monarch in such a place, scatter evil - he sees into the case himself, and gives right judgment, for he can have no…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 8Verse 8 If great men are good men, they may do much good, and prevent very much evil.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 8The king should embody wisdom and fairness.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 88. As in Pr 14:35; 16:10, 15, this is the character of a good king, not of all kings.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 20:8
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 Living Translation — © 1996, 2004, 2015 Tyndale House Foundation
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