Proverbiorum 20
1 Luxuriosa res vinum, et tumultuosa ebrietas: quicumque his delectatur non erit sapiens.
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2 Sicut rugitus leonis, ita et terror regis: qui provocat eum peccat in animam suam.
The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.
3 Honor est homini qui separat se a contentionibus; omnes autem stulti miscentur contumeliis.
It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.
4 Propter frigus piger arare noluit; mendicabit ergo æstate, et non dabitur illi.
The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.
5 Sicut aqua profunda, sic consilium in corde viri; sed homo sapiens exhauriet illud.
The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
6 Multi homines misericordes vocantur; virum autem fidelem quis inveniet?
Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?
7 Justus qui ambulat in simplicitate sua beatos post se filios derelinquet.
The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.
8 Rex qui sedet in solio judicii dissipat omne malum intuitu suo.
A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes.
9 Quis potest dicere: Mundum est cor meum; purus sum a peccato?
Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?
10 Pondus et pondus, mensura et mensura: utrumque abominabile est apud Deum.
Differing weights and unequal measures — both are detestable to the LORD.
11 Ex studiis suis intelligitur puer, si munda et recta sint opera ejus.
Even a young man is known by his actions— whether his conduct is pure and upright.
12 Aurem audientem, et oculum videntem: Dominus fecit utrumque.
Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.
13 Noli diligere somnum, ne te egestas opprimat: aperi oculos tuos, et saturare panibus.
Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food.
14 Malum est, malum est, dicit omnis emptor; et cum recesserit, tunc gloriabitur.
“Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats.
15 Est aurum et multitudo gemmarum, et vas pretiosum labia scientiæ.
There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.
16 Tolle vestimentum ejus qui fidejussor extitit alieni, et pro extraneis aufer pignus ab eo.
Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.
17 Suavis est homini panis mendacii, et postea implebitur os ejus calculo.
Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel.
18 Cogitationes consiliis roborantur, et gubernaculis tractanda sunt bella.
Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.
19 Ei qui revelat mysteria, et ambulat fraudulenter, et dilatat labia sua, ne commiscearis.
He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.
20 Qui maledicit patri suo et matri, extinguetur lucerna ejus in mediis tenebris:
Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.
21 hæreditas ad quam festinatur in principio, in novissimo benedictione carebit.
An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end.
22 Ne dicas: Reddam malum: exspecta Dominum, et liberabit te.
Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
23 Abominatio est apud Dominum pondus et pondus; statera dolosa non est bona.
Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good.
24 A Domino diriguntur gressus viri: quis autem hominum intelligere potest viam suam?
A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way?
25 Ruina est homini devorare sanctos, et post vota retractare.
It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.
26 Dissipat impios rex sapiens, et incurvat super eos fornicem.
A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 Lucerna Domini spiraculum hominis, quæ investigat omnia secreta ventris.
The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being.
28 Misericordia et veritas custodiunt regem, et roboratur clementia thronus ejus.
Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.
29 Exsultatio juvenum fortitudo eorum, et dignitas senum canities.
The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old.
30 Livor vulneris absterget mala, et plagæ in secretioribus ventris.
Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts.
