15 There is gold and a multitude of jewels,
but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure.(A)

16 Take his garment,
for he has put up security for a stranger;
get collateral if it is for foreigners.(B)

17 Food gained by fraud is sweet to a person,(C)
but afterward his mouth is full of gravel.(D)

18 Finalize plans with counsel,(E)
and wage war with sound guidance.(F)

19 The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip;(G)
avoid someone with a big mouth.(H)

20 Whoever curses his father or mother(I)
his lamp will go out in deep darkness.(J)

21 An inheritance gained prematurely
will not be blessed ultimately.(K)

22 Don’t say, “I will avenge this evil!” (L)
Wait on the Lord,(M) and he will rescue you.(N)

23 Differing weights[a] are detestable to the Lord,(O)
and dishonest scales(P) are unfair.

24 Even a courageous person’s steps are determined by the Lord,(Q)
so how can anyone understand his own way?

25 It is a trap for anyone to dedicate something rashly
and later to reconsider his vows.(R)

26 A wise king separates out the wicked(S)
and drives the threshing wheel(T) over them.

27 The Lord’s lamp sheds light on a person’s life,[b]
searching the innermost parts.[c](U)

28 Loyalty and faithfulness guard a king;
through loyalty he maintains his throne.

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

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 20:23 Lit A stone and a stone
  2. 20:27 Lit breath
  3. 20:27 Lit the chambers of the belly

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(A) if it is done for an outsider.(B)

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

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

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

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

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!”(I)
    Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.(J)

23 The Lord detests differing weights,
    and dishonest scales do not please him.(K)

24 A person’s steps are directed(L) by the Lord.(M)
    How then can anyone understand their own way?(N)

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

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

27 The human spirit is[a] the lamp of the Lord(Q)
    that sheds light on one’s inmost being.(R)

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

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

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 20:27 Or A person’s words are