Proverbs 20:30 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.

NIV: Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.

NASB: Bruising wounds clean away evil, And blows cleanse the innermost parts.

CSB: Lashes and wounds purge away evil, and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.

NLT: Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart.

KJV: The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

NKJV: Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.

Corporal punishment in Solomon's time was not simply punitive but also remedial. The person undergoing punishment would learn that crime carries a harsh penalty, and he would resolve not to commit the crime again (Proverbs 19:29; 29:15). The meaning here is not entirely symbolic, but neither is it meant to encourage punishments which lead to injury.

The Bible teaches that every human being is a sinner and possesses a sin nature. Adam's sin passed upon the entire human race (Romans 5:12). But we are not just sinners by nature, we are also sinners by choice. Isaiah 53:6 explains that like sheep we have all gone astray, choosing to follow our will instead of God's. Even Christians choose to sin, but do not make sin a way of life. Often, when we sin, God uses discipline to correct us. He uses the "blows" and "strokes" of discipline to steer us away from sin and to produce righteousness in us.

Godly discipline, including consequences, is an important part of spiritual growth. The book of Hebrews tells us:

"It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? …Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? …For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:7–11).

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.

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.

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.

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.