---
title: "Proverbs 20 — World English Bible | Favorite Scriptures"
description: "Read Proverbs 20 in the World English Bible. Free Bible reading, no account needed. Browse books and chapters, then save favorite passages in your personal library."
last_updated: "2026-10-08"
doc_version: "1"
language: "en"
canonical: "https://favoritescriptures.com/bible/proverbs/20"
---

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World English Bible

# Proverbs 20

[1](#verse-1) Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

[2](#verse-2) The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.

[3](#verse-3) It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.

[4](#verse-4) The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

[5](#verse-5) Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.

[6](#verse-6) Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man?

[7](#verse-7) A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him.

[8](#verse-8) A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his eyes.

[9](#verse-9) Who can say, “I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin”?

[10](#verse-10) Differing weights and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.

[11](#verse-11) Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.

[12](#verse-12) The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD has made even both of them.

[13](#verse-13) Don’t love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.

[14](#verse-14) “It’s no good, it’s no good,” says the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasts.

[15](#verse-15) There is gold and abundance of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.

[16](#verse-16) Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman.

[17](#verse-17) Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.

[18](#verse-18) Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war!

[19](#verse-19) He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips.

[20](#verse-20) Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.

[21](#verse-21) An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning won’t be blessed in the end.

[22](#verse-22) Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for the LORD, and he will save you.

[23](#verse-23) The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing.

[24](#verse-24) A man’s steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way?

[25](#verse-25) It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, then later to consider his vows.

[26](#verse-26) A wise king winnows out the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them.

[27](#verse-27) The spirit of man is the LORD’s lamp, searching all his innermost parts.

[28](#verse-28) Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love.

[29](#verse-29) The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair.

[30](#verse-30) Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost parts.

[← Proverbs 19](/bible/proverbs/19)[Proverbs 21 →](/bible/proverbs/21)

World English Bible · Public domain

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