What Is Winnowing?

(Proverbs 20:26 KJV)  A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

I must go with the KJV here.  The word it translates “scattereth” (2119) the NASB translates “winnows”.  The word literally means to spread and that is what you do in winnowing but that gives a picture of throwing things up in the air.  In winnowing you are separating the good grain from the chaff.  When you scatter, you get rid of.

So?  We need to make it a habit of getting rid of the “wicked” (7563) things and people in our lives.  This includes the people, possessions and positions that bring enjoyment as well as the ones that bring pain.  Sanctification means separation.