Proverbs 16:20

20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,[a]and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.

Proverbs 16:20 in Other Translations

KJV
20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
ESV
20 Whoever gives thought to the wordwill discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
NLT
20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be joyful.
MSG
20 It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in God.
CSB
20 The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.

Proverbs 16:20 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:20

He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good
That frames and composes his discourse well on any subject he takes in hand; or manages his affairs prudently and discreetly, in which he is concerned; or that wisely attends to the affair of humility, as Aben Ezra: or rather to the word, that is, to the word of God; is not a careless, negligent, unconcerned hearer of the word, but a diligent and attentive one; whose heart is opened by the Spirit of God to attend to what is spoken in it; who lays it up in his heart, and makes it the rule of his conduct in life: such a man finds good things; things which are for his profit, edification, and instruction; good truths, good doctrines, good counsel and advice, good directions and instructions; promises of good things, things for his present comfort and future happiness; and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy [is] he;
not to his own wisdom; nor in his own strength; nor in his riches, nor righteousness; nor in the favour of men, no, not of princes; but in the Lord, and in his Word; he shall want no good thing, he is kept in perfect peace; he is in the utmost safety, is like Mount Zion, that can never be removed, ( Jeremiah 17:7 ) ( Isaiah 26:3 ) ( Psalms 84:11 Psalms 84:12 ) ( 125:1 ) .

Proverbs 16:20 In-Context

18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.
21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.
22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Proverbs 13:13
  • 2. S Psalms 32:10; Psalms 40:4; Psalms 2:12; Psalms 34:8; Proverbs 19:8; Proverbs 29:25; Jeremiah 17:7

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or "whoever speaks prudently finds what is good"
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