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Proverbs 16:20

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 16:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he.
Proverbs 16:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
18Pride [goeth] before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
19Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he.
21The wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is [their] folly.
23The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.
← Proverbs 16:19Proverbs 16:21 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“handleth a matter--wisely considers "the word," that is, of God (compare Pro 13:13). trusteth--(Compare Psa 2:12; Psa 118:8-9).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Good as it is to “handle a matter wisely,” it is far better to “trust in the Lord.” The former is really impossible except through the latter. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Good - He who orders his affairs with discretion. Proverbs 16:21”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“handleth: or, understandeth, Pro 8:35, Pro 13:15, Pro 17:2, Pro 19:8, Pro 24:3-5; Gen 41:38-40; Dan 1:19-21; Mat 10:16 whoso: Pro 22:19, Pro 22:20; Ch1 5:20; Psa 2:12, Psa 34:8, Psa 125:1, Psa 146:5; Isa 26:3, Isa 26:4, Isa 30:18; Jer 17:7, Jer 17:8; Dan 3:28, Dan 6:23; Eph 1:12, Eph 1:13 Proverbs 16:21”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“20 He that giveth heed to the word will find prosperity; And he that trusteth in Jahve, blessed is he! The "word" here is the word κατ ̓ ἐξ., the divine word, for משׂכּיל על־דּבר is the contrast of בּז לדבר, Pro 13:13, cf. Neh 8:13. טוב is meant, as in Pro 17:20, cf. Pro 13:21, Psa 23:6; to give heed to God's word is the way to true prosperity. But at last all depends on this, that one stand in personal fellowship with God by means of faith, which here, as at Pro 28:25; Pro 29:25, is designated after its specific mark as fiducia. The Mashal conclusion אשׁריו occurs, besides here, only at Pro 14:21; Pro 29:18. Proverbs 16:21”
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Related study paths

Read Proverbs 16 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification