Proverbs 20
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New International VersionHolman Christian Standard Bible
1Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.1Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler, and whoever staggers because of them is not wise.
2A king's wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.2A king's terrible wrath is like the roaring of a lion; anyone who provokes him endangers himself.
3It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.3It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool can get himself into a quarrel.
4Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.4The slacker does not plow during planting season; at harvest time he looks, and there is nothing.
5The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.5Counsel in a man's heart is deep water; but a man of understanding draws it out.
6Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?6Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man?
7The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.7The one who lives with integrity is righteous; his children who come after him will be happy.
8When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.8A king sitting on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes.
9Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"?9Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin"?
10Differing weights and differing measures-- the LORD detests them both.10Differing weights and varying measures-- both are detestable to the LORD.
11Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?11Even a young man is known by his actions-- if his behavior is pure and upright.
12Ears that hear and eyes that see-- the LORD has made them both.12The hearing ear and the seeing eye-- the LORD made them both.
13Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.13Don't love sleep, or you will become poor; open your eyes, and you'll have enough to eat."
14"It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer-- then goes off and boasts about the purchase.14It's worthless, it's worthless!" the buyer says, but after he is on his way, he gloats.
15Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.15There is gold and a multitude of jewels, but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure.
16Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.16Take his garment, for he has put up security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for foreigners.
17Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.17Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth is full of gravel.
18Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.18Finalize plans with counsel, and wage war with sound guidance.
19A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.19The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth.
20If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.20Whoever curses his father or mother-- his lamp will go out in deep darkness.
21An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.21An inheritance gained prematurely will not be blessed ultimately.
22Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.22Don't say, "I will avenge this evil!" Wait on the LORD, and He will rescue you.
23The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.23Differing weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are unfair.
24A person's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?24A man's steps are determined by the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way?
25It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one's vows.25It is a trap for anyone to dedicate something rashly and later to reconsider his vows.
26A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.26A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them.
27The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one's inmost being.27The LORD's lamp sheds light on a person's life, searching the innermost parts.
28Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.28Loyalty and faithfulness deliver a king; through loyalty he maintains his throne.
29The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.29The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair.
30Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.30Lashes and wounds purge away evil, and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.
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Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.
Proverbs 19
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