What does Proverbs 20:27 mean?
ESV: The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.
NIV: The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.
NASB: The spirit of a person is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the innermost parts of his being.
CSB: The Lord’s lamp sheds light on a person’s life, searching the innermost parts.
NLT: The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.
KJV: The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
NKJV: The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the inner depths of his heart.
Verse Commentary:
Man's spirit possesses thought, motives, intentions, feelings, and desires, all of which the Lord tests. God is aware of every aspect of our inner lives (1 Samuel 16:7; Hebrews 4:13). A person's spirit illuminates who and what they really are (Luke 6:45). A person's spirit is seen by God; it shows everything needed to know to properly judge them (Psalm 7:11; Psalm 139:7). In biblical terminology, "light" is associated with goodness, as well as truth and knowledge. God has access to the "light" of a person's spirit: factual truth about their innermost being.
When Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Passover, He cleansed the temple by forcing out corrupt businessmen (John 2:13–17). He knew that their motives were impure. As a result, local religious leaders (John 2:18) questioned Him. Many people accepted Jesus' message because of the miraculous things He did (John 2:23). In that same passage, it was noted that Jesus knew what was happening in each person's spirit (John 2:24–25). Indeed, the Lord "knows the secrets of the heart" (Psalm 44:21).
Verse Context:
Proverbs 20:12–30 touches on a variety of subjects as Solomon (Proverbs 10:1) wisely observes what is right and what is wrong. He censures deceit and dishonest gain but commends honesty, love, and loyalty. This section also includes common sense reminders about topics like business and hastiness.
Chapter Summary:
In this section of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1), he again discusses a wide range of subjects. These echo many of the common themes of the book of Proverbs. Solomon warns against foolishness (Proverbs 1:7), hastiness, angering authorities, and the consequences of sin and dishonesty. Several references condemn dishonest business dealings. Others note the value of diligence in making decisions.
Chapter Context:
This chapter of Proverbs belongs to the second division of the book that extends from Proverbs chapter 10 to chapter 22, in which there are nearly 400 wise sayings. Proverbs 20 continues the collection of Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter Solomon focuses on numerous things which harm the unwise. Among them are laziness, wrong values, and bad decisions.
Book Summary:
Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.
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