Proverbs 20

Berean Standard Bible

Chapter summary

Proverbs 20 presents a collection of observations on human behavior, speech, and governance. It addresses the consequences of actions involving wine, laziness, dishonesty in trade with differing weights, and rash vows. The text mentions the roles and actions of kings who judge, investigate evil, and maintain their thrones through steadfast love and faithfulness. Various human characteristics are noted, including the value of trustworthy people, the dangers of gossip, and the contrast between youth and old age. The chapter concludes by mentioning physical punishment as a means to cleanse evil from the innermost parts.

Summary automatically generated from the Bible text.

Words of Jesus in red

¹Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. ²The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life. ³It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel. ⁴The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there. ⁵The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. ⁶Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man? ⁷The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him. ⁸A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes. ⁹Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”? ¹⁰Differing weights and unequal measures — both are detestable to the LORD. ¹¹Even a young man is known by his actions— whether his conduct is pure and upright. ¹²Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both. ¹³Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food. ¹⁴“Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats. ¹⁵There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure. ¹⁶Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner. ¹⁷Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel. ¹⁸Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance. ¹⁹He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips. ²⁰Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness. ²¹An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end. ²²Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you. ²³Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good. ²⁴A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way? ²⁵It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows. ²⁶A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them. ²⁷The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being. ²⁸Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne. ²⁹The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old. ³⁰Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts.

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Louis Segond 1910 and Berean Standard Bible: public domain. Cross references: open-cross-ref, Creative Commons BY 4.0.