Bible Strands
Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — A wisdom teacher addresses an individual reader with a direct imperative, situated among a cluster of short, independent sayings (Proverbs 20:15–21, 23). The moment is one of temptation to act on a wrong already suffered.
The words — 'a.sha.le.mah (אֲשַׁלְּמָה) from the root sh-l-m (H7999) means "I will repay" or "I will settle the account," the same root underlying shalom, here turned toward retribution. The counter-command ka.Veh (קַוֵּה, "wait") is a stative verb implying a posture of sustained expectation, not passive inaction.
The thread — Proverbs 24:29 repeats the same forbidden formula ("I will do to him as he has done to me"), and the New Testament restates the principle in Romans 12:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:15, both prohibiting the repayment of evil for evil.
Why it lands — It asks the reader to name the impulse to retaliate, then release it, trusting that the outcome belongs to Yahweh rather than to personal execution.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.
Cross-references
- Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
- Proverbs 24:29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”
- Proverbs 17:13 If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house.
- 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
- Deuteronomy 32:35 Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.”
- 1 Peter 2:23 When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.
- Matthew 5:39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;
- 1 Peter 4:19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
- 2 Samuel 16:12 Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.”