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Proverbs 20 :: New International Version (NIV)

Pro 20:1Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Pro 20:2A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.
Pro 20:3It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
Pro 20:4Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
Pro 20:5The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.
Pro 20:6Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?
Pro 20:7The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
Pro 20:8When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
Pro 20:9Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?
Pro 20:10Differing weights and differing measures— the LORD detests them both.
Pro 20:11Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?
Pro 20:12Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.
Pro 20:13Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.
Pro 20:14“It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer— then goes off and boasts about the purchase.
Pro 20:15Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
Pro 20:16Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
Pro 20:17Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
Pro 20:18Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
Pro 20:19A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
Pro 20:20If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
Pro 20:21An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.
Pro 20:22Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.
Pro 20:23The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
Pro 20:24A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?
Pro 20:25It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.
Pro 20:26A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.
Pro 20:27The human spirit is[fn] the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one’s inmost being.
Pro 20:28Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.
Pro 20:29The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.
Pro 20:30Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.
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Proverbs Chapter 20 — Additional Translations: