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 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 aestate et non dabitur ei
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 iustus 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 iudicii 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 intellegitur puer si munda et si recta sint opera eius
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 vas autem pretiosum labia scientiae
There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.
16 tolle vestimentum eius qui fideiussor 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 eius 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 eius in mediis tenebris
Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.
21 hereditas 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 expecta 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 Deum 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 intellegere potest viam suam
A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way?
25 ruina est hominis devorare sanctos et post vota tractare
It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.
26 dissipat impios rex sapiens et curvat super eos fornicem
A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 lucerna Domini spiraculum hominis quae 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 eius
Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.
29 exultatio iuvenum 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 plagae in secretioribus ventris
Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts.
