Proverbs 20:22 Meaning and Explanation
“Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not vow to repay evil; instead, trust God to deliver justice and vindication.
The Context of Proverbs 20:22
Proverbs teaches that trusting God for justice is wiser than pursuing personal vengeance.
What Does Proverbs 20:22 Mean?
When wronged, the natural human impulse is to promise retaliation—'I will repay evil for evil.' The proverb forbids this vow. Instead of plotting revenge, the wise person releases that impulse and waits on the Lord. This waiting is not passive resignation but active trust in divine justice.
God promises to save—to deliver and vindicate—those who refrain from personal vengeance and entrust their cause to Him. The person who waits demonstrates faith that injustice will not remain uncorrected, that evil will face consequence, but that they need not be the instrument of that consequence. God's salvation includes both protection and justice.
Proverbs 20:22 in the Original Language
'Recompense' (שׁלַם, shalam) — to repay or give back; to balance accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 20:22
What does Proverbs 20:22 mean?
Do not vow to repay evil; instead, trust God to deliver justice and vindication.
What is the context of Proverbs 20:22?
Proverbs teaches that trusting God for justice is wiser than pursuing personal vengeance.