Proverbs 20:22

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

Context:Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, attributed to King Solomon. It offers practical advice for living a wise and righteous life. Proverbs 20:22 addresses the issue of seeking personal vengeance and encourages trust in the Lord’s deliverance.

The danger of seeking revenge:The verse begins with a warning, “Say not thou, I will recompense evil.” It cautions against taking matters into one’s own hands and seeking revenge. Retaliating against those who have wronged us often leads to a cycle of violence and perpetuates hatred. It goes against the principles of forgiveness, love, and justice that God desires for His people.

Waiting on the Lord:The verse instructs believers to “wait on the Lord.” Waiting on the Lord implies trust, patience, and reliance on Him. Rather than rushing to take revenge, we are called to surrender our desire for vengeance to God and allow Him to act in His perfect timing and wisdom. Waiting on the Lord demonstrates faith in His ability to bring about justice and deliverance.

God’s promise of salvation:The verse concludes with the assurance, “and he shall save thee.” By refraining from seeking revenge and placing our trust in the Lord, we can expect His intervention and salvation. This salvation may come in various forms, such as protection, vindication, or inner peace. Ultimately, God is the ultimate source of deliverance and justice.

Application:Proverbs 20:22 teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s justice rather than taking matters into our own hands. As followers of Christ, we are called to forgive others and leave room for God’s judgment (Romans 12:19). Instead of seeking revenge, we should pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and strive to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Waiting on the Lord requires faith, but it leads to a deeper understanding of His sovereignty and a greater reliance on His guidance and provision.