Proverbs 20:22 - Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Proverbs 20:22" mean?
Proverbs 20:22, "Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you," essentially discourages revenge and promotes trusting in God's justice. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Don't say, 'I will pay back evil'": This part of the verse directly advises against taking matters into your own hands when you've been wronged. It's a natural human inclination to want to retaliate, to seek vengeance when you feel you've been treated unfairly. However, this verse warns against acting on that impulse. It discourages the idea of personally exacting revenge.
"Wait for Yahweh": This emphasizes patience and reliance on God. Instead of actively seeking revenge, the verse encourages you to trust in God's timing and justice. "Yahweh" is the Hebrew name for God, emphasizing his personal covenant relationship with his people.
"And he will save you": This offers the promise that God will intervene on your behalf. The "saving" here isn't necessarily just physical rescue from danger, but also deliverance from the burden of anger, bitterness, and the potential consequences of acting out of revenge. God will vindicate you, protect you, and ultimately bring about a just resolution. It can also mean He will save you from the negative consequences that acting out of revenge can cause.
In essence, the verse advocates for:
Forgiveness: Letting go of the desire for revenge.
Trust in God: Believing that God is just and will ultimately right wrongs.
Patience: Not acting impulsively but waiting for God's timing.
Humility: Recognizing that you are not the ultimate judge or enforcer of justice.
Peace: Choosing a path that leads to inner peace rather than perpetuating a cycle of violence or retribution.
Why is this important?
Escalation of Conflict: Taking revenge often leads to a cycle of violence, where each act of retaliation provokes another, escalating the conflict.
Personal Burden: Holding onto anger and plotting revenge can be emotionally and spiritually draining.
Imperfect Justice: Human attempts at revenge are often flawed and can lead to further injustice.
God's Justice: The Bible teaches that God is ultimately just, and He will bring about true justice in His own way and time.
Inner Peace: Forgiveness and trust in God's justice can bring a sense of peace and freedom.
In conclusion, Proverbs 20:22 urges believers to relinquish the desire for revenge, trusting in God's justice and provision instead. It's a call to a higher path of forgiveness, patience, and faith.
Proverbs 20:22 - Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.
What does "Proverbs 20:22" mean?
Proverbs 20:22, "Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you," essentially discourages revenge and promotes trusting in God's justice. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Don't say, 'I will pay back evil'": This part of the verse directly advises against taking matters into your own hands when you've been wronged. It's a natural human inclination to want to retaliate, to seek vengeance when you feel you've been treated unfairly. However, this verse warns against acting on that impulse. It discourages the idea of personally exacting revenge.
"Wait for Yahweh": This emphasizes patience and reliance on God. Instead of actively seeking revenge, the verse encourages you to trust in God's timing and justice. "Yahweh" is the Hebrew name for God, emphasizing his personal covenant relationship with his people.
"And he will save you": This offers the promise that God will intervene on your behalf. The "saving" here isn't necessarily just physical rescue from danger, but also deliverance from the burden of anger, bitterness, and the potential consequences of acting out of revenge. God will vindicate you, protect you, and ultimately bring about a just resolution. It can also mean He will save you from the negative consequences that acting out of revenge can cause.
In essence, the verse advocates for:
Forgiveness: Letting go of the desire for revenge.
Trust in God: Believing that God is just and will ultimately right wrongs.
Patience: Not acting impulsively but waiting for God's timing.
Humility: Recognizing that you are not the ultimate judge or enforcer of justice.
Peace: Choosing a path that leads to inner peace rather than perpetuating a cycle of violence or retribution.
Why is this important?
Escalation of Conflict: Taking revenge often leads to a cycle of violence, where each act of retaliation provokes another, escalating the conflict.
Personal Burden: Holding onto anger and plotting revenge can be emotionally and spiritually draining.
Imperfect Justice: Human attempts at revenge are often flawed and can lead to further injustice.
God's Justice: The Bible teaches that God is ultimately just, and He will bring about true justice in His own way and time.
Inner Peace: Forgiveness and trust in God's justice can bring a sense of peace and freedom.
In conclusion, Proverbs 20:22 urges believers to relinquish the desire for revenge, trusting in God's justice and provision instead. It's a call to a higher path of forgiveness, patience, and faith.