Shared Word Translation
Proverbs 20
Wisdom in Daily Life
Wine is a mocker,
strong drink a brawler;
whoever is led astray by them
is not wise.
The terror of a king
is like the roaring of a lion;
whoever provokes him
endangers their own life.
It is an honor
for a person to stay out of conflict,
but every fool
bursts into quarrels.
The lazy do not plow
in the proper season;
at harvest they will look
and find nothing.
Counsel in the human heart
is deep water,
but a person of understanding
will draw it out.
Many people proclaim
their own steadfast love,
but a faithful person—
who can find?
The righteous walk
in their integrity;
blessed are their children
after them.
A king sitting
on the judgment throne
winnows all evil
with his eyes.
Who can say,
“I have made my heart pure;
I am clean
from my sin”?
Unequal weights
and unequal measures—
both alike
are an abomination to the LORD.
Listen, Work, and Speak Truthfully
Even a child
makes themselves known by their deeds,
whether their conduct
is pure and upright.
The hearing ear
and the seeing eye—
the LORD has made
both of them.
Do not love sleep,
or you will become poor;
open your eyes,
and you will have enough bread.
“Bad, bad,” says the buyer,
but after going away
the buyer boasts.
There is gold
and an abundance of jewels,
but lips of knowledge
are a precious treasure.
Take the garment
of one who becomes surety for a stranger;
hold it as security
for an outsider.
Bread gained by deception
is sweet to a person,
but afterward
the mouth is filled with gravel.
Plans are established
through counsel;
conduct war
with wise guidance.
A gossip reveals secrets;
therefore do not associate
with one who opens their lips carelessly.
Whoever curses father or mother,
their lamp will be extinguished
in deepest darkness.
Wait for the LORD
An inheritance gained hastily
at the beginning
will not be blessed
in the end.
Do not say,
“I will repay evil.”
Wait for the LORD,
who will save you.
Unequal weights
are an abomination to the LORD,
and dishonest scales
are not good.
A person’s steps
are from the LORD;
how then can anyone fully understand
their own way?
It is a trap
to say rashly, “Holy!”
and only afterward
consider the vow.
The Human Spirit
A wise king
winnows the wicked
and turns the wheel
over them.
The human spirit
is the lamp of the LORD,
searching all
the innermost parts.
Steadfast love and faithfulness
preserve a king,
and the throne is supported
by steadfast love.
The glory of the young
is their strength,
and the splendor of the old
is gray hair.
Blows that wound
cleanse away evil,
and strokes reach
the innermost parts.