Proverbs
King James Version (KJV)


The actual, original, first printing of the 1611 King James Version (‘HE’ Bible) — Proverbs Chapter 20.
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drinke is raging: and whosoeuer is deceiued thereby, is not wise.
2 The feare of a king, is as the roaring of a Lion: who so prouoketh him to anger, sinneth against his owne soule.2
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3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but euery foole will be medling.
4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he begge in haruest, and haue nothing.4
5 Counsell in the heart of man is like deepe water: but a man of vnderstanding will draw it out.5
6 Most men will proclaime euery one his owne goodnes: but a faithfull man who can finde?6
7 The iust man walketh in his integritie: his children are blessed after him.7
8 A king that sitteth in the throne of iudgement, scattereth away all euill with his eyes.
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9 Who can say, I haue made my heart cleane, I am pure from my sinne?9
10 Diuers weights, and diuers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord.10
11 Euen a childe is knowen by his doings, whether his worke be pure, and whether it be right.
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12 The hearing eare, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made euen both of them.12
13 Loue not sleepe, lest thou come to pouertie: open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.13
14 It is nought, it is nought (saith the buyer:) but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
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15 There is gold, and a multitude of Rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious iewell.
16 Take his garment that is suerty for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.16
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17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man: but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with grauell.17
18 Euery purpose is established by counsell: and with good aduice make warre.18
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19 He that goeth about as a tale-bearer, reueileth secrets; therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lippes.19
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20 Who so curseth his father or his mother, his lampe shall be put out in obscure darkenesse.20
21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning: but the ende thereof shall not be blessed.
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22 Say not thou, I will recompence euil: but wait on the Lord, and he shall saue thee.22
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23 Diuers waights are an abomination vnto the Lord: and a false ballance is not good.23
24 Mans goings are of the Lord; how can a man then vnderstand his owne way?24
25 It is a snare to the man who deuoureth that which is holy: and after vowes, to make inquirie.
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26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, & bringeth the wheele ouer them.26
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27 The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.27
28 Mercy and trueth preserue the king: and his throne is vpholden by mercy.28
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29 The glory of yong men is their strength: and the beautie of old men is the gray head.29
30 The blewnes of a wound cleanseth away euill: so doe stripes the inward parts of the belly.30
Proverbs Chapter 20 Sidenote References (from Original 1611 KJV Bible)
2 Chap.19. 12. and 16. 14.* Some content on this page courtesy of Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Pennsylvania