Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 20:26

"A wise king winnoweth the wicked, And bringeth the [threshing] -wheel over them." — Proverbs 20:26 (ASV)

A wise king scattereth the wicked— Rather, winnows them.

And bringeth the wheel over them— Compare to Isaiah 28:27. A sort of sledge or cart was driven over the stalks of corn spread upon the threshing floor, by means of which the grain was separated from the husk. A wise king winnows out evil persons from among his people, thus putting an end to their corrupting influence. (Compare to Matthew 3:12.)