The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Proverbs 20

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Proverbs chapter 20 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is riotous; and whosoever reeleth thereby is not wise.” — the complete text of all 30 verses is below, free to read online.

1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is riotous; and whosoever reeleth thereby is not wise.

2The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: he that provoketh him to anger forfeiteth his life.

3It is an honour for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be snarling.

4The sluggard will not plow when winter setteth in; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

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

6Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness; but a faithful man who can find?

7He that walketh in his integrity as a just man, happy are his children after him.

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

9Who can say: 'I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin'?

10Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them alike are abomination to HaShem.

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

12The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, HaShem hath made even both of them.

13Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt have bread in plenty.

14'It is bad, it is bad', saith the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

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

16Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; and hold him in pledge that is surety for an alien woman.

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

18Every purpose is established by counsel; and with good advice carry on war.

19He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets; therefore meddle not with him that openeth wide his lips.

20Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in the blackest darkness.

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

22Say not thou: 'I will requite evil'; wait for HaShem, and He will save thee.

23Divers weights are an abomination to HaShem; and a false balance is not good.

24A man's goings are of HaShem; how then can man look to his way?

25It is a snare to a man rashly to say: 'Holy', and after vows to make inquiry.

26A wise king sifteth the wicked, and turneth the wheel over them.

27The spirit of man is the lamp of HaShem, searching all the inward parts.

28Mercy and truth preserve the king; and his throne is upheld by mercy.

29The glory of young men is their strength; and the beauty of old men is the hoary head.

30Sharp wounds cleanse away evil; so do stripes that reach the inward parts.

30 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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