Proverbs 20
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1Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.1Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; whoever goes astray by them is not wise.
2A king's wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.2The king's terrifying anger is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him sins against himself.
3It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.3It is an honor for a person to cease from strife, but every fool quarrels.
4Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.4The sluggard will not plow during the planting season, so at harvest time he looks for the crop but has nothing.
5The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.5Counsel in a person's heart is like deep water, but an understanding person draws it out.
6Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?6Many people profess their loyalty, but a faithful person--who can find?
7The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.7The righteous person behaves in integrity; blessed are his children after him.
8When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.8A king sitting on the throne to judge separates 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 clean; I am pure from my sin"?
10Differing weights and differing measures-- the LORD detests them both.10Diverse weights and diverse measures--the LORD abhors both of them.
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, whether his activity is pure and whether it is right.
12Ears that hear and eyes that see-- the LORD has made them both.12The ear that hears and the eye that sees--the LORD has made them both.
13Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.13Do not love sleep, lest you become impoverished; open your eyes so that you might 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"It's worthless! It's worthless!" says the buyer, but when he goes on his way, 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 rubies, but words of knowledge are like a precious jewel.
16Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.16Take a man's garment when he has given security for a stranger, and when he gives surety for strangers, hold him in pledge.
17Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.17Bread gained by deceit tastes sweet to a person, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
18Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.18Plans are established by counsel, so make war with guidance.
19A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.19The one who goes about gossiping reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with someone who is always opening his mouth.
20If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.20The one who curses his father and his mother, his lamp will be extinguished in the blackest darkness.
21An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.21An inheritance gained easily in 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 pay back evil!" Wait for the LORD, so that he may vindicate you.
23The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.23The LORD abhors differing weights, and dishonest scales are wicked.
24A person's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?24The steps of a person are ordained 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 snare for a person to rashly cry, "Holy!" and only afterward to consider what he has vowed.
26A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.26A wise king separates out the wicked; he turns the threshing wheel over them.
27The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one's inmost being.27The human spirit is like the lamp of the LORD, searching all his innermost parts.
28Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.28Loyal love and truth preserve a king, and his throne is upheld by loyal love.
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.30Beatings and wounds cleanse away evil, and floggings cleanse the innermost being.
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Proverbs 19
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