He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

PROVERBS 16:20KJV
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Proverbs 16:20 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 16:20 mean?

Proverbs 16:20 says that a person who deals with situations thoughtfully and skillfully will experience good outcomes, and anyone who puts their trust in the LORD will find true happiness. The verse highlights both wise action and faith in God as sources of blessing.

This proverb comes from the collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, directed to anyone seeking practical guidance for life. The verse draws a connection between using good judgment in handling matters and the benefits that follow, while also stressing that relying on the LORD (the personal name for God in Israel’s scriptures) brings a deeper happiness that goes beyond circumstances.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 16:20

  • "Matter" (דָּבָר, davar): This word can mean a thing, word, or affair. Here, it refers to any situation or issue a person faces, showing that the advice applies broadly to life’s challenges.
  • "Wisely" (שָׂכַל, sakhal): This word means to act with insight or skill. The verse is not just about being clever, but about handling things with careful understanding.
  • "Find" (מָצָא, matsa): This word means to encounter or come upon. The verse promises that wise handling leads to actually experiencing good, not just hoping for it.
  • "Good" (טוֹב, tov): This word means good in the sense of benefit, well-being, or what is desirable. It emphasizes that the result of wisdom is something truly positive.
  • "Trusteth" (בָּטַח, batach): This word means to rely on or have confidence in. The focus is on a settled, secure trust in the LORD.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, pointing to a relationship with the God of Israel.
  • "Happy" (אַשְׁרֵי, ashrei): This word means blessed or truly happy, suggesting a deep sense of well-being that comes from trusting God.

Why Proverbs 16:20 matters

  • Proverbs 16:20 clarifies that wisdom is not just intellectual but practical—how a person handles real-life matters makes a difference.
  • The verse balances human responsibility (acting wisely) with spiritual trust (relying on the LORD), showing both are important for a good and happy life.
  • In the wider context of Proverbs 16, this saying fits with the theme that God’s guidance and human choices work together, encouraging readers to seek both wisdom and faith.

Where else these words appear

“happy” Hebrew H835 · used in 42 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:29 Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.
  • Psalms 84:4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
  • Psalms 144:15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.

“wisely” Hebrew H7919 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
  • Psalms 14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
  • Proverbs 21:12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

“trusteth” Hebrew H982 · used in 117 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:52 And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.
  • Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
  • Isaiah 30:12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: