Properly Ordered Love: Reflections on Proverbs 20:2

In Proverbs 20:2, we read:

“The terror of a king is like the roaring of a young lion; whoever provokes him sins against his own soul.”

At first glance, this proverb seems purely practical — a warning about the dangers of angering those in power. Yet, a closer look reveals much deeper truths about the nature of love, authority, and our relationship to God.

The “terror” mentioned here is not merely the fear others feel, but something the king possesses. It is a manifestation of his rightful power and authority to execute judgment. Scripture vividly portrays this terror as the roaring of a young lion— a raw, vigorous, unmistakable force. Just as the roar of a lion demands attention and signals the presence of great danger, so too the king’s authority demands recognition and respect. His anger is not something hidden or easily ignored; it expresses itself with a presence that all wise people should heed.

The proverb teaches that to sin against the king — to provoke his anger through disrespect, disobedience, or dishonor — is to sin against oneself. In the biblical understanding, sin is not merely the violation of a rule; it is the failure to properly order one’s loves. Failing to respect the authority of the king is a failure to love oneself rightly, because it exposes oneself to severe harm. Wisdom here is deeply pragmatic: if you truly care for your own well-being, you will respect, honor, and obey those who possess the power to impact your life for good or ill.

But the principle does not stop with human rulers. The king’s authority, no matter how great, is merely a shadow of the authority of God — the King of kings and Lord of lords. If earthly kings command respect because they can negatively affect our lives, how much more should God command our reverence, obedience, and love? No one holds greater power over our ultimate well-being than He does.

Thus, failing to love God properly is not only rebellion against rightful authority; it is profound self-destruction. It is a failure to love oneself — a failure to act in accordance with the reality that our lives, souls, and eternal destinies are entirely in His hands.

Proverbs 20:2 is therefore not only a piece of political wisdom; it is a profound theological insight.

Properly ordered love — toward earthly authorities and especially toward God — is essential for true self-love.