Parallel Bible results for "proverbs 20"

Proverbs 20

New International Version NIV

1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.

3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

4 Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.

5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

6 Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?

7 The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.

8 When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.

9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?

10 Differing weights and differing measures— the LORD detests them both.

11 Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?

12 Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.

13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.

14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer— then goes off and boasts about the purchase.

15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.

17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.

18 Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.

19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.

20 If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

21 An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.

22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.

23 The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.

24 A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?

25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.

26 A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.

27 The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one’s inmost being.

28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.

29 The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.

30 Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.

The Message Bible MSG

1 Wine makes you mean, beer makes you quarrelsome - a staggering drunk is not much fun.

2 Quick-tempered leaders are like mad dogs - cross them and they bite your head off.

3 It's a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights.

4 A farmer too lazy to plant in the spring has nothing to harvest in the fall.

5 Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within.

6 Lots of people claim to be loyal and loving, but where on earth can you find one?

7 God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children.

8 Leaders who know their business and care keep a sharp eye out for the shoddy and cheap,

9 For who among us can be trusted to be always diligent and honest?

10 Switching price tags and padding the expense account are two things God hates.

11 Young people eventually reveal by their actions if their motives are on the up and up. Drinking from the Chalice of Knowledge

12 Ears that hear and eyes that see - we get our basic equipment from God!

13 Don't be too fond of sleep; you'll end up in the poorhouse. Wake up and get up; then there'll be food on the table.

14 The shopper says, "That's junk - I'll take it off your hands," then goes off boasting of the bargain.

15 Drinking from the beautiful chalice of knowledge is better than adorning oneself with gold and rare gems.

16 Hold tight to collateral on any loan to a stranger; beware of accepting what a transient has pawned.

17 Stolen bread tastes sweet, but soon your mouth is full of gravel.

18 Form your purpose by asking for counsel, then carry it out using all the help you can get.

19 Gossips can't keep secrets, so never confide in blabbermouths.

20 Anyone who curses father and mother extinguishes light and exists benighted. The Very Steps We Take

21 A bonanza at the beginning is no guarantee of blessing at the end.

22 Don't ever say, "I'll get you for that!" Wait for God; he'll settle the score.

23 God hates cheating in the marketplace; rigged scales are an outrage.

24 The very steps we take come from God; otherwise how would we know where we're going?

25 An impulsive vow is a trap; later you'll wish you could get out of it.

26 After careful scrutiny, a wise leader makes a clean sweep of rebels and dolts.

27 God is in charge of human life, watching and examining us inside and out.

28 Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity.

29 Youth may be admired for vigor, but gray hair gives prestige to old age.

30 A good thrashing purges evil; punishment goes deep within us.