Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

PROVERBS 20:11KJV
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Proverbs 20:11 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 20:11 mean?

Proverbs 20:11 says that even a child’s actions reveal their true character, showing whether what they do is clean and upright. The verse points out that a person’s behavior, no matter their age, makes clear to others what kind of person they are.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, directed to anyone seeking wisdom for daily life. The verse uses the example of a child to make a broader point: actions speak louder than words, and even the youngest people show their heart through what they do. The focus is on observable deeds as the real test of someone’s integrity and purity.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 20:11

  • "child" (נַעַר, naʿar): This word often means a young boy or youth, but can refer to anyone not yet fully grown. The proverb uses a child as an example, but the point applies to all ages.
  • "known" (נָכַר, nākar): This word means to be recognized or distinguished. The verse emphasizes that people are recognized for who they are by what they do, not just by what they say.
  • "doings" (מַעֲלָל, maʿălāl): This word refers to deeds or actions, highlighting that it is the pattern of behavior, not isolated acts, that reveals character.
  • "work" (פֹּעַל, poʿal): This word also means deed or action, reinforcing that what someone produces or accomplishes is what matters.
  • "pure" (זַךְ, zakh): This word means clean or innocent, suggesting that the quality of a person’s actions can be evaluated for moral clarity.
  • "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar): This word means straight or upright, pointing to actions that are honest and in line with what is good.

Why Proverbs 20:11 matters

  • Proverbs 20:11 clears up the idea that age excuses behavior; it shows that even children’s actions are meaningful and revealing.
  • The verse emphasizes that character is visible and measurable, not hidden or mysterious, and that actions are a trustworthy indicator of what is inside a person.
  • In the context of Proverbs, this saying fits the larger theme that wisdom is shown in daily choices, and that everyone, regardless of age, is responsible for how they live.

Where else these words appear

“pure” Hebrew H2134 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 27:20 And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.
  • Leviticus 24:7 And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Job 16:17 Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.

“work” Hebrew H6467 · used in 38 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
  • Psalms 28:4 Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.
  • Proverbs 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

“doings” Hebrew H4611 · used in 41 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:20 The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.
  • Jeremiah 4:18 Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart.
  • Jeremiah 32:19 Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:

“known” Hebrew H5234 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 27:23 And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.
  • Ruth 2:19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
  • Job 21:29 Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,