Proverbs 20

1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.
3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
4 Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.
6 Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?
7 The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
8 When a king sits on his throne to judge, he 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— the LORD detests them both.
11 Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really 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 grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.
14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer— then goes off and boasts about the purchase.
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
18 Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
20 If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
21 An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.
22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.
23 The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
24 A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?
25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 The human spirit is[a] the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one’s inmost being.
28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.
30 Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.

Cross References 45

  • 1. S Leviticus 10:9; Habakkuk 2:5
  • 2. S 1 Samuel 25:36
  • 3. 1 Kings 20:16
  • 4. Proverbs 31:4
  • 5. S Proverbs 19:12
  • 6. S Esther 7:7; S Proverbs 16:14; Proverbs 8:36
  • 7. S 1 Samuel 25:25
  • 8. S Genesis 13:8; Proverbs 17:14
  • 9. S Proverbs 6:6
  • 10. Ecclesiastes 10:18
  • 11. S Psalms 18:16
  • 12. Psalms 12:1
  • 13. S Psalms 26:1
  • 14. Psalms 37:25-26; Psalms 112:2
  • 15. S 1 Kings 7:7
  • 16. ver 26; Proverbs 25:4-5
  • 17. S Job 15:14
  • 18. 1 Kings 8:46; Ecclesiastes 7:20; 1 John 1:8
  • 19. ver 23; S Proverbs 11:1
  • 20. S Psalms 39:1; Matthew 7:16
  • 21. S Psalms 94:9
  • 22. S Proverbs 6:11; S Proverbs 19:15
  • 23. S Exodus 22:26
  • 24. Proverbs 27:13
  • 25. Proverbs 9:17
  • 26. Job 20:14; Lamentations 3:16
  • 27. Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 24:6
  • 28. Proverbs 11:13
  • 29. Proverbs 30:11
  • 30. Exodus 21:17; S Job 18:5
  • 31. Proverbs 24:29
  • 32. Isaiah 37:20; Jeremiah 1:19; Jeremiah 42:11; Romans 12:19
  • 33. S ver 10; S Deuteronomy 25:13
  • 34. S Psalms 90:12
  • 35. S Job 33:29
  • 36. S Proverbs 19:21; Jeremiah 10:23
  • 37. S Proverbs 10:19; Proverbs 18:13; Ecc 5:2,4-5; Jeremiah 44:25
  • 38. S ver 8
  • 39. S Psalms 119:105
  • 40. S Proverbs 16:2
  • 41. Psalms 40:11
  • 42. S Proverbs 16:12; Isaiah 16:5; Proverbs 29:14
  • 43. Proverbs 16:31
  • 44. S Psalms 51:2; Proverbs 22:15
  • 45. Isaiah 1:5

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or "A person’s words are"

Proverbs 20 Commentaries

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