New International Version Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being. New Living Translation Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart. English Standard Version Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts. Berean Standard Bible Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts. Berean Literal Bible Stripes that wound scour evil, and beatings, the chambers of the belly. King James Bible The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly. New King James Version Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, As do stripes the inner depths of the heart. New American Standard Bible Bruising wounds clean away evil, And blows cleanse the innermost parts. NASB 1995 Stripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes reach the innermost parts. NASB 1977 Stripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes reach the innermost parts. Legacy Standard Bible Stripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes reach the innermost parts of the body. Amplified Bible Blows that wound cleanse away evil, And strokes reach to the innermost parts. Berean Annotated Bible Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts. Christian Standard Bible Lashes and wounds purge away evil, and beatings cleanse the innermost parts. Holman Christian Standard Bible Lashes and wounds purge away evil, and beatings cleanse the innermost parts. American Standard Version Stripes that wound cleanse away evil; And strokes reach the innermost parts. Contemporary English Version A severe beating can knock all of the evil out of you! English Revised Version Stripes that wound cleanse away evil: and strokes reach the innermost parts of the belly. GOD'S WORD® Translation Brutal beatings cleanse away wickedness. Such beatings cleanse the innermost being. Good News Translation Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways. International Standard Version Blows that wound clean away evil; such beatings cleanse the innermost being. NET Bible Beatings and wounds cleanse away evil, and floggings cleanse the innermost being. New Heart English Bible Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost parts. Webster's Bible Translation The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleLashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts. World English Bible Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost parts. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBlows that wound cleanse away evil, "" Also the scourges of the inner parts of the heart! Berean Literal Bible Stripes that wound scour evil, and beatings, the chambers of the belly. Young's Literal Translation The bandages of a wound thou removest with the evil, Also the plagues of the inner parts of the heart! Smith's Literal Translation The joining of a wound will cleanse against evil: and blows the chambers of the belly. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe blueness of a wound shall wipe away evils: and stripes in the more in- ward parts of the belly. Catholic Public Domain Version The bruise of a wound, as well as scourges, shall wipe away evils in the more secret places of the inner self. New American Bible Evil is cleansed away by bloody lashes, and a scourging to the inmost being. New Revised Standard Version Blows that wound cleanse away evil; beatings make clean the innermost parts. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleMisery and torment befall the evil men; and wounds smite the inner parts of their body. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Misery and torment fall upon the evil, and affliction into the inner rooms of the belly. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Sharp wounds cleanse away evil; So do stripes that reach the inward parts. Brenton Septuagint Translation Bruises and contusions befall bad men; and plagues shall come in the inward parts of their belly. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Wine is a Mocker…29The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old. 30Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts. Cross References Lashes and wounds scour evil, Proverbs 17:10 A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool. Proverbs 19:29 Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools. Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. and beatings cleanse the inmost parts. Proverbs 23:13-14 Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die. / Strike him with a rod, and you will deliver his soul from Sheol. Hebrews 12:10-11 Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. / No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Hebrews 12:11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. Job 5:17-18 Blessed indeed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. / For He wounds, but He also binds; He strikes, but His hands also heal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. / For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. Isaiah 53:5 But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Psalm 119:67 Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word. 1 Peter 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin. Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD, and teach from Your law, 1 Corinthians 11:32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. Deuteronomy 8:5 So know in your heart that just as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you. Revelation 3:19 Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. Treasury of Scripture The blueness of a wound cleans away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly. Proverbs 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Isaiah 27:9 By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up. Jump to Previous Bandages Beatings Belly Blows Body Clean Cleanse Cleanseth Deepest Evil Heart Inmost Innermost Inward Parts Plagues Purge Reach Rod Scour Sharp Stripes Strokes Wound Wounding WoundsJump to Next Bandages Beatings Belly Blows Body Clean Cleanse Cleanseth Deepest Evil Heart Inmost Innermost Inward Parts Plagues Purge Reach Rod Scour Sharp Stripes Strokes Wound Wounding WoundsProverbs 20 1. Proper LivingLashes and wounds scour evil, In civil and household discipline, physical punishment could restrain wrongdoing, expose its destructive consequences, and correct moral behavior. Justice was not intended as cruelty but as a serious response to evil, seeking repentance, order, and the protection of the community. Pro 17:10 A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment… and beatings cleanse the inmost parts. Outward correction cannot by itself remove sin from the heart, yet severe discipline may bring a person to confront inward rebellion in the inmost parts—the heart and mind, the seat of moral and spiritual life. The proverb recognizes that wrongdoing is rooted deeply within human nature and requires more than superficial reform. Ultimately, true cleansing belongs to God, who deals with both conduct and the heart. Pro 23:13-14 Do not withhold discipline from a child;… Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God. 2. Ancient Israel The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction. 3. Discipline The concept of discipline, both physical and moral, is central to this verse. It reflects the ancient practice of using physical punishment as a means to correct behavior and instill wisdom. Teaching Points The Purpose of DisciplineDiscipline is not merely punitive but serves a corrective and purifying purpose. It is intended to remove evil and foster righteousness within us. The Role of Suffering in Growth Just as physical wounds can lead to healing, spiritual and moral challenges can lead to personal growth and deeper faith. God's Loving Correction God's discipline is an expression of His love and desire for us to grow in holiness. We should embrace it as a necessary part of our spiritual journey. Self-Examination and Repentance Reflect on areas in your life where you may need correction. Seek God's guidance and be open to His discipline as a means of transformation. Community and Accountability Engage with a community of believers who can provide support and accountability, helping each other grow through constructive discipline. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 20:30?2. How does Proverbs 20:30 encourage personal growth through life's challenges and hardships? 3. What does "blows that wound" symbolize in our spiritual journey? 4. How can Proverbs 20:30 be connected to Hebrews 12:11 about discipline? 5. How can we apply Proverbs 20:30 to overcome personal sin and temptation? 6. In what ways can Proverbs 20:30 guide us in mentoring others spiritually? 7. What does Proverbs 20:30 mean by "stripes that wound" in a spiritual context? 8. How does Proverbs 20:30 align with the concept of divine discipline? 9. Does Proverbs 20:30 suggest physical punishment is necessary for spiritual growth? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20? (30) The blueness of a wound.--Rather, the stripes of a wound, or wounds which cut into the flesh, cleanse away evil. So do stripes the inward parts of the belly.--Better, and blows (which reach) the inward parts of the belly, i.e., which are felt in the inmost recesses of the heart (comp. Proverbs 20:27). Kindness is thrown away upon some people: they can only be touched by punishment. Verse 30. - The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil. So the Vulgate, Livor vulneris absterget mala. Chaburoth means "stripes," and the proverb says that deep-cutting stripes are the only effectual cure of evil; i.e. severe punishment is the best healing process in cases of moral delinquency (Proverbs 19:29). Painful remedies, incisions, cauteries, amputations, are often necessary in the successful treatment of bodily ailments; spiritual sickness needs sterner, more piercing, remedies. So do stripes the inward parts of the belly; or better, and strokes that reach, etc. The stings of conscience, warnings and reproofs which penetrate to the inmost recesses of the heart, chastisement which affects the whole spiritual being. - these are needful to the correction and purification of inveterate evil. Aben Ezra connects this verse with the preceding thus: as strength gives a glory to young men, and hoar hairs adorn an old man, so wounds and bruises, so to speak, ornament the sinner, mark him out, and at the same time heal and amend him. It may also be connected with ver. 27. If a man will not use the lamp which God has given him for illumination and correction, he must expect severe chastisement and sternest discipline. Septuagint, "Bruises (ὑπώπια) and contusions befall bad men, and plagues that reach to the chambers of the belly." St. Gregory, 'Moral.,' 23:40, "By the blueness of a wound he implies the discipline of blows on the body. But blows in the secret parts of the belly are the wounds of the mind within, which are inflicted by compunction. For as the belly is distended when filled with food, so is the mind puffed up when swollen with wicked thoughts. The blueness, then, of a wound, and blows in the secret parts of the belly, cleanse away evil, because both outward discipline does away with faults, and compunction pierces the distended mind with the punishment of penance. But they differ from each other in this respect, that the wounds of blows give us pain, the sorrows of compunction have good savour. The one afflict and torture, the others restore when they afflict us. Through the one there is sorrow in affliction, through the other there is joy in grief" (Oxford transl.).
Proverbs 20:30 teaches that firm, even painful discipline is God’s appointed means to drive out evil and reach the heart. Loving correction—never abusive, always purposeful—confronts sin, purifies motives, and produces righteous, peace-filled lives. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Lashesחַבֻּר֣וֹת (ḥab·bu·rō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 2250: A stripe, blow and wounds פֶּ֭צַע (pe·ṣa‘) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6482: A bruise, wound scour תַּמְר֣וּק (tam·rūq) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4838: To polish, to sharpen, to rinse evil, בְּרָ֑ע (bə·rā‘) Preposition-b | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil and beatings וּ֝מַכּ֗וֹת (ū·mak·kō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 4347: A wound, carnage, pestilence cleanse the inmost parts. חַדְרֵי־ (ḥaḏ·rê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 2315: A chamber, room Additonal Resources Proverbs 20:30 Blue Letter BibleProverbs 20:30 Bible Gateway Proverbs 20:30 Bible.com Proverbs 20:30 NIV |
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