Self-interpreting Bible

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Proverbs 20

Various observations of moral virtues and their contrary vices.


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

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

3 It is can honour for a man to cease from strife: but devery fool will be meddling.

4 The e*sluggard will not plow by reason of 1the cold; therefore fshall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

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

6 hMost men will proclaim every one his own 2goodness: ibut a faithful man who can find?

7 The jjust man walketh in his integrity: khis children are blessed after him.

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

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

10 3*Divers weights, and 4divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.

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

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

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

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

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

16 sTake his garment that is surety for a tstranger: and take a pledge of him for a *strange woman.

17 5Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

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

19 He vthat goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that 6flattereth with his lips.

20 Whoso wcurseth his father or his mother, his 7lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

21 An xinheritance may be *gotten hastily at the beginning; but ythe end thereof shall not be blessed.

22 zSay not thou, I will recompense evil; but await on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

23 b*Divers weights are an abom-ination unto the LORD; and 8a false balance is not good.

24 cMan's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

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

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

27 The fspirit of man is the 9candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

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

29 The hglory of young men is their strength: and the ibeauty of old men is the gray head.

30 The blueness of a wound 10cleanseth away evil: jso do stripes the inward parts of the belly.