Proverbs 20
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1Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.1Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.
2A king's wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.2The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar; to rouse his anger is to risk your life.
3It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.3Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
4Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.4Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.
5The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.5Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out.
6Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?6Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?
7The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.7The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.
8When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.8When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good.
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 and free from sin”?
10Differing weights and differing measures-- the LORD detests them both.10False weights and unequal measures — the LORD detests double standards of every kind.
11Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?11Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.
12Ears that hear and eyes that see-- the LORD has made them both.12Ears to hear and eyes to see— both are gifts from the LORD.
13Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.13If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!
14"It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer-- then goes off and boasts about the purchase.14The buyer haggles over the price, saying, “It’s worthless,” then brags about getting a bargain!
15Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.15Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.
16Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.16Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt. Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners.
17Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.17Stolen bread tastes sweet, but it turns to gravel in the mouth.
18Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.18Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.
19A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.19A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.
20If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.20If you insult your father or mother, your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.
21An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.21An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end.
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 get even for this wrong.” Wait for the LORD to handle the matter.
23The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.23The LORD detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales.
24A person's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?24The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?
25It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one's vows.25Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost.
26A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.26A wise king scatters the wicked like wheat, then runs his threshing wheel over them.
27The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one's inmost being.27The LORD’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.
28Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.28Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love.
29The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.29The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.
30Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.30Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart.
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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.
Proverbs 19
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