Proverbs 20

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Alcohol can trick you, making you act foolishly. It stirs up anger and those who fall for its deceit lack wisdom.

The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.

A king's fury is as terrifying as a lion's roar; whoever makes him angry puts his own life at risk.

It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

A wise man finds honor in avoiding conflict, but only a fool constantly stirs up trouble.

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

A lazy person refuses to work in the cold, so when harvest comes, they'll be left begging and empty-handed.

Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

A person's thoughts can be as profound as the ocean, but a wise individual can uncover them.

Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

Many people boast about their virtues, but who can truly find a loyal and trustworthy person?

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

A righteous man moves with honesty, his children inherit his blessings.

A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

A just ruler, seated on his throne, banishes all wickedness with a mere glance.

Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

Who can confidently declare, "My heart is free of guilt, I am cleansed from my wrongdoings?"

Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.

Using different scales and measures to deceive is equally detestable to the Lord.

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

A child's actions reveal their true nature, showing if their deeds are innocent and just.

The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.

God has lovingly crafted both our ears to hear and our eyes to see.

Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

Don't love sleep too much, or you'll end up poor. Stay awake and alert, and you'll have enough to eat.

It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

The buyer downplays the value while purchasing, but once he leaves, he brags about his great deal.

There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

Gold and countless rubies abound, yet the true treasure lies in the wisdom spoken from knowledgeable lips.

Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

Seize the clothing of one who guarantees a stranger's debt, and hold it as collateral if he does it for an unknown woman.

Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

Deceiving others might feel good initially, but in the end, it leaves a bitter, harsh taste in one's mouth.

Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

Every plan is solidified through wise guidance; and with sound advice, engage in conflict.

He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Avoid those who spread gossip and reveal secrets. Don't trust those who flatter you with sweet words.

Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

Anyone who curses their father or mother will find their life's light extinguished, lost in the deepest darkness.

An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

Quickly gained wealth may seem exciting at first, but it won't bring lasting happiness.

Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

Don't seek revenge when wronged; instead, be patient and trust in God, for He will rescue you.

Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

God deeply detests dishonesty and unfairness; He finds no goodness in deception.

Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

God guides our paths; how can we fully grasp our own journey?

It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

It's a trap for one who consumes what is sacred, then thoughtlessly questions their promises.

A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

A wise ruler disperses the wicked, crushing them under the weight of justice.

The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

God's light shines within us, illuminating our deepest feelings and thoughts.

Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

The king's reign is safeguarded by his compassion and honesty. His throne stands firm on the foundation of his mercy.

The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.

Young men take pride in their physical strength, while the wisdom symbolized by an elder's silver hair is their true charm.

The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

The bruises of a wound scour away evil, just as beatings cleanse our inner self.