Proverbs 20
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1Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar; to rouse his anger is to risk your life.2The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.
3Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.3It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.
4Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.4The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.
5Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out.5The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
6Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?6Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?
7The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.7The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.
8When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good.8A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes.
9Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin”?9Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?
10False weights and unequal measures — the LORD detests double standards of every kind.10Differing weights and unequal measures—both are detestable to the LORD.
11Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.11Even a young man is known by his actions—whether his conduct is pure and upright.
12Ears to hear and eyes to see— both are gifts from the LORD.12Ears that hear and eyes that see—the LORD has made them both.
13If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!13Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food.
14The buyer haggles over the price, saying, “It’s worthless,” then brags about getting a bargain!14“Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats.
15Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.15There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.
16Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt. Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners.16Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.
17Stolen bread tastes sweet, but it turns to gravel in the mouth.17Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel.
18Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.18Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.
19A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.19He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.
20If you insult your father or mother, your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.20Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.
21An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end.21An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end.
22Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the LORD to handle the matter.22Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
23The LORD detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales.23Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good.
24The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?24A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way?
25Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost.25It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.
26A wise king scatters the wicked like wheat, then runs his threshing wheel over them.26A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them.
27The LORD’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.27The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being.
28Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love.28Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.
29The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.29The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old.
30Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart.30Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.The Berean Bible (Berean Study Bible (BSB) © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved.
Proverbs 19
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