Proverbs 20
Read Proverbs 20 (WEB)+
1Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise. 2The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. 3It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling. 4The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing. 5Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. 6Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man? 7A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him. 8A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his eyes. 9Who can say, “I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin?” 10Differing weights and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. 11Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right. 12The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Yahweh has made even both of them. 13Don’t love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread. 14“It’s no good, it’s no good,” says the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasts. 15There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel. 16Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman. 17Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel. 18Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war! 19He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips. 20Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness. 21An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning, won’t be blessed in the end. 22Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you. 23Yahweh detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing. 24A man’s steps are from Yahweh; how then can man understand his way? 25It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, then later to consider his vows. 26A wise king winnows out the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them. 27The spirit of man is Yahweh’s lamp, searching all his innermost parts. 28Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love. 29The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair. 30Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost parts.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out."”
Proverbs 20:5
Summary
Proverbs 20 highlights the value of integrity, wisdom, and diligence, providing practical guidance for righteous living. The chapter emphasizes the dangers of wine, indicating it can lead to mockery and strife, pulling individuals away from wisdom. It underscores the importance of fairness in business, warning against deceitful practices like using false weights or measures. Additionally, the consequences of laziness are addressed; diligent effort is encouraged as it leads to prosperity and sustenance. Moral qualities such as kindness, gentleness, and patience are praised, reflecting the character of those who live wisely. The distinction between the wise and foolish in their actions and consequences is reiterated, underlining the importance of discretion and maintaining one’s integrity.
Key Themes
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