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Proverbs 20:22

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Don't say, 'I will pay back evil with evil,' but wait for the LORD, and he will rescue you.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse is telling us not to seek revenge ourselves, but to trust God to handle justice and deliver us from our troubles.

📚 Historical Context

Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, attributed to King Solomon and written during ancient Israel's monarchy, offering practical guidance for everyday life. In that cultural context, people often sought personal revenge through tribal customs or limited legal systems, but this verse urges restraint and trust in God's justice. It reflects the broader biblical emphasis on divine sovereignty, as seen in other wisdom sayings and laws that discourage human vengeance.

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