Proverbs 20
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New International VersionNew American Standard Bible 1995
1Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.1Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.
2A king's wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.2The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
3It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.3Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.
4Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.4The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.
5The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.5A plan in the heart of a man is like 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.7A righteous man who walks in his integrity-- How blessed are his sons after him.
8When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.8A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses 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 cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin "?
10Differing weights and differing measures-- the LORD detests them both.10Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to the LORD.
11Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?11It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right.
12Ears that hear and eyes that see-- the LORD has made them both.12The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The LORD has made both of them.
13Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.13Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food.
14"It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer-- then goes off and boasts about the purchase.14"Bad, bad," says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts.
15Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.15There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.
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 when he becomes surety for a stranger; And for foreigners, hold him in pledge.
17Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.17Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
18Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.18Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance.
19A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.19He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip.
20If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.20He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness.
21An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.21An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end.
22Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.22Do not say, "I will repay evil"; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.
23The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.23Differing weights are an abomination to the LORD, And a false scale is not good.
24A person's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?24Man's steps are ordained by the LORD, How then can man understand his way?
25It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one's vows.25It is a trap for a man to say rashly, "It is holy!" And after the vows to make inquiry.
26A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.26A wise king winnows 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 spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the innermost parts of his being.
28Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.28Loyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by righteousness.
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 honor of old men is their gray hair.
30Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.30Stripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes reach the innermost parts.
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Proverbs 19
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