Proverbs 20:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.

NIV: If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

NASB: He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness.

CSB: Whoever curses his father or mother-- his lamp will go out in deep darkness.

NLT: If you insult your father or mother, your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.

KJV: Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

NKJV: Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp will be put out in deep darkness.

In this verse Solomon castigates anyone who curses his father or his mother. The person who disrespects his parents and insults them breaks God's commandment to "honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12). This commandment promises longevity to those who obey it. Verse 12 continues: "that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you."

Solomon understood this promise, so he writes that whoever breaks the commandment given in Exodus 20:12 will come to an untimely end. The core issue is not merely the relationship to parents, but how the child respects authority, in general. Often, a rebellious son disrespects not only his parents, but anyone who seeks control over him.

Earlier advice warned that allowing a child to grow without discipline was to set them on a dangerous path (Proverbs 19:18). Undisciplined children can become lawbreakers, whose criminal path leads to lengthy imprisonment or capital punishment. Waywardness may include the use of illegal drugs that snuff out a life. God gives commandments for our good, and if we violate them, we will pay a heavy price (Proverbs 3:1–6; 8:34–36).

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.