Proverbs 20:22 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

Say not thou, I will recompense evil - for evil: I will avenge myself. Romans 12:17; Romans 12:19 alludes to this, as also to Proverbs 25:21-22. Deuteronomy 32:35 Deuteronomy 32:35; Deuteronomy 32:41 is the fundamental passage in which God claims 'vengeance and recompense' as His special prerogative (Jeremiah 51:56).

But wait on the Lord - leaving thy cause in His hand. He is as able as He is willing to right thy wrong. It is want of patient trust in God which makes men impatient to avenge themselves. Do not pray to God to take vengeance on thy personal enemy, but to defend thee.

Proverbs 20:22

22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.