Tyndale Open Study NotesProverbs 20

Too much alcohol affects a person's judgment. The Old Testament does not oppose drinking wine in moderation (Proverbs 3:10; 9:5; Psalm 104:14–15), but it strongly opposes excessive drinking (Proverbs 21:17; 23:29–35; 31:4–5).

Queen Esther was willing to risk her life and make the king angry (Esther 7).

True friends support you, even during tough times.

The king should embody wisdom and fairness.

Wise people know their own weaknesses. Pride stops people from seeing their faults (Proverbs 6:17–18; 11:2; 13:10; 15:33; 16:18; 18:12; see also 1 John 1:8–10).

Differing weights and unequal measures: Merchants should not cheat customers by using incorrect weights to measure grain (compare Proverbs 11:1; 16:11; 20:23).

The ability to watch and learn from experience is a special gift.

Laziness often results in poverty (see Proverbs 10:4–6, 26; 12:11; 13:4; 14:4; 15:19; 18:9; 19:15, 24; 20:4).

Sellers need to look beyond what buyers say to avoid being tricked.

• A wise lender asks for security or a deposit on a loan. A stranger was an Israelite unknown to the lender, who then required security. Proverbs advises the wise to avoid borrowing entirely (see Proverbs 6:1–2).

• This proverb's message is also found in Proverbs 6:1–5; 11:15; 17:18; 22:26.

This view on the gossip appears again in Proverbs 11:13.

If you receive an inheritance early in life, you might spend it all before you die, leaving nothing for later.

See also Romans 12:17–21.

This proverb's message appears in three other proverbs (see Proverbs 11:1; 16:11; 20:10).

God clearly guides our steps (see Proverbs 16:1, 9, 33). We do not need to understand why things happen. We should not lose hope because God is in control.

It is important to consider the cost before making a promise to God (see Judges 11:29–40; Ecclesiastes 5:4–6).

A king represents God on earth, so he should help good people and punish wrongdoers.

The Lord's light reaches the human spirit, and God sees deep into people's hearts (see Proverbs 16:2).

God's constant love and loyalty are linked to his agreement with his people (see Exodus 34:5–7; Deuteronomy 7:7–9). The king acts as God's representative on earth, so God will guard him (see 2 Samuel 7).

beatings cleanse the inmost parts: See Proverbs 13:24; 22:15; 23:13–14.