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The Holy Bible

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The Book of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 20

  

The Proverbs of Solomon

1WINE is a mocker, beer is a brawler;

whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

2 A king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion;
whoever provokes him to anger endangers his own life.

3 It is honourable for a man to refrain from strife,
for any fool can stir up a quarrel.

4 The sluggard does not plough in season;
so at the time of harvest he looks, and has nothing,

5 The motives of a man’s heart are like deep waters,
but a man of understanding draws them out.

6 Many a man will proclaim his own loyalty,
but a trustworthy man who can find?

7 The righteous man walks in his integrity;
his children who follow after him are blessed.

8 A king sitting on his throne to judge
winnows out all evil with his eyes.

9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
I am clean and without sin”?

10 Differing weights and differing measures
both are detestable to the Lord.

11 Even a child is known by his deeds,
by whether his conduct is pure and upright.

12 Ears that hear and eyes that see
the Lord has made them both.

13 Do not love sleep, or you will become poor;
open your eyes, and you will have food enough.

14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” claims the buyer;
but after he goes away, he boasts about his purchase.

15 There is gold and an abundance of rubies,
but lips that speak knowledge are a precious jewel.

16 Take the garment of one who has put it up as surety for a stranger;
hold it in pledge if he does so for an immoral woman.

17 Food obtained by fraud is sweet to a man,
but afterward his mouth is full of gravel.

18 Make plans by taking advise;
wage war with sound advise.

19 A gossip betrays the secrets of others;
do not associate with one who delights in flapping his gums.

20 Whoever curses his father or his mother,
his lamp will be snuffed out in utter darkness.

21 An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning
will not be blessed at the end.

22 Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!”
Wait for the Lord, and He will deliver you.

23 Differing weights are detestable to the Lord,
and dishonest scales are unfair.

24 A man’s steps are determined by the Lord;
so how can anyone understand his own way?

25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly,
and only later reconsider his vows.

26 A wise king winnows out the wicked,
and rolls the threshing wheel over them.

27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord,
searching out his inmost parts.

28 Loyalty and faithfulness protect the king;
his throne is upheld by steadfast love.

29 The glory of young men is their strength,
and the splendour of old men is their gray hair.

30 Blows and wounds cleanse away evil,
and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.