Proverbs 20 – Compare Chapter Translations
Verse-by-verse comparison of Proverbs 20 across supported Bible translations.
Verse 1
KJV Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
ASV Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; And whosoever erreth thereby is not wise.
WEB Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
YLT Wine <FI>is<Fi> a scorner--strong drink <FI>is<Fi> noisy, And any going astray in it is not wise.
DRB Wine is a luxurious thing, and drunkenness riotous: whosoever is delighted therewith, shall not be wise.
DBY Wine is a scorner, strong drink is raging; and whoso erreth thereby is not wise.
GNV Wine is a mocker and strong drinke is raging: and whosoeuer is deceiued thereby, is not wise.
LSB Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Verse 2
KJV The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
ASV The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: He that provoketh him to anger sinneth [against] his own life.
WEB The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
YLT The fear of a king <FI>is<Fi> a growl as of a young lion, He who is causing him to be wroth is wronging his soul.
DRB As the roaring of a lion, so also is the dread of a king: he that provoketh him, sinneth against his own soul.
DBY The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: he that provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
GNV The feare of the King is like the roaring of a lyon: hee that prouoketh him vnto anger, sinneth against his owne soule.
LSB The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; He who provokes him to anger sins against his own soul.
Verse 3
KJV It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
ASV It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be quarrelling.
WEB It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling.
YLT An honour to a man is cessation from strife, And every fool intermeddleth.
DRB It is an honour for a man to separate himself from quarrels: but all fools are meddling with reproaches.
DBY It is an honour for a man to cease from strife; but every fool rusheth into it.
GNV It is a mans honour to cease from strife: but euery foole will be medling.
LSB It is a glory for a man to cease quarreling, But any ignorant fool will break out in dispute.
Verse 4
KJV The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
ASV The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
WEB The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
YLT Because of winter the slothful plougheth not, He asketh in harvest, and there is nothing.
DRB Because of the cold the sluggard would not plough: he shall beg therefore in the summer, and it shall not be given him.
DBY The sluggard will not plough by reason of the winter; he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
GNV The slouthfull will not plowe, because of winter: therefore shall he beg in sommer, but haue nothing.
LSB The sluggard does not plow from winter on, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.
Verse 5
KJV Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
ASV Counsel in the heart of man is [like] deep water; But a man of understanding will draw it out.
WEB Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
YLT Counsel in the heart of a man <FI>is<Fi> deep water, And a man of understanding draweth it up.
DRB Counsel in the heart of a man is like deep water: but a wise man will draw it out.
DBY Counsel in the heart of man is deep water, and a man of understanding draweth it out.
GNV The counsell in the heart of man is like deepe waters: but a man that hath vnderstanding, will drawe it out.
LSB Counsel in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of discernment draws it out.
Verse 6
KJV Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
ASV Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness; But a faithful man who can find?
WEB Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man?
YLT A multitude of men proclaim each his kindness, And a man of stedfastness who doth find?
DRB Many men are called merciful: but who shall find a faithful man?
DBY Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness; but a faithful man who shall find?
GNV Many men wil boast, euery one of his owne goodnes: but who can finde a faithfull man?
LSB Many a man will call out his own lovingkindness, But a faithful man, who can find?
Verse 7
KJV The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
ASV A righteous man that walketh in his integrity, Blessed are his children after him.
WEB A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him.
YLT The righteous is walking habitually in his integrity, O the happiness of his sons after him!
DRB The just that walketh in his simplicity, shall leave behind him blessed children.
DBY The righteous walketh in his integrity: blessed are his children after him!
GNV He that walketh in his integritie, is iust: and blessed shall his children be after him.
LSB A righteous man who walks in his integrity— How blessed are his sons after him.
Verse 8
KJV A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
ASV A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment Scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
WEB A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his eyes.
YLT A king sitting on a throne of judgment, Is scattering with his eyes all evil,
DRB The king, that sitteth on the throne of judgment, scattereth away all evil with his look.
DBY A king sitting on the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
GNV A King that sitteth in the throne of iudgement, chaseth away all euill with his eyes.
LSB A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes.
Verse 9
KJV Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
ASV Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
WEB Who can say, “I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin?”
YLT Who saith, `I have purified my heart, I have been cleansed from my sin?'
DRB Who can say: My heart is clean, I am pure from sin?
DBY Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
GNV Who can say, I haue made mine heart cleane, I am cleane from my sinne?
LSB Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure, I am clean from my sin”?
Verse 10
KJV Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.
ASV Diverse weights, and diverse measures, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.
WEB Differing weights and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
YLT A stone and a stone, an ephah and an ephah, Even both of them <FI>are<Fi> an abomination to Jehovah.
DRB Diverse weights and diverse measures, both are abominable before God.
DBY Divers weights, divers measures, even both of them are abomination to Jehovah.
GNV Diuers weightes, and diuers measures, both these are euen abomination vnto the Lord.
LSB Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are an abomination to Yahweh.
Verse 11
KJV Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
ASV Even a child maketh himself known by his doings, Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
WEB Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.
YLT Even by his actions a youth maketh himself known, Whether his work be pure or upright.
DRB By his inclinations a child is known, if his works be clean and right.
DBY Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
GNV A childe also is knowen by his doings, whether his worke be pure and right.
LSB It is by his deeds that a young man makes himself known If his conduct is pure and right.
Verse 12
KJV The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
ASV The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Jehovah hath made even both of them.
WEB The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Yahweh has made even both of them.
YLT A hearing ear, and a seeing eye, Jehovah hath made even both of them.
DRB The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made them both.
DBY The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Jehovah hath made even both of them.
GNV The Lord hath made both these, euen the eare to heare, and the eye to see.
LSB The hearing ear and the seeing eye, Yahweh has made both of them.
Verse 13
KJV Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
ASV Love not sleep, let thou come to poverty; Open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
WEB Don’t love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.
YLT Love not sleep, lest thou become poor, Open thine eyes--be satisfied <FI>with<Fi> bread.
DRB Love not sleep, lest poverty oppress thee: open thy eyes, and be filled with bread.
DBY Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
GNV Loue not sleepe least thou come vnto pouertie: open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
LSB Do not love sleep, lest you become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food.
Verse 14
KJV It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
ASV It is bad, it is bad, saith the buyer; But when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
WEB “It’s no good, it’s no good,” says the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasts.
YLT `Bad, bad,' saith the buyer, And going his way then he boasteth himself.
DRB It is naught, it is naught, saith every buyer: and when he is gone away, then he will boast.
DBY Bad! bad! saith the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
GNV It is naught, it is naught, sayth the buyer: but when he is gone apart, he boasteth.
LSB “Bad, bad,” says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts.
Verse 15
KJV There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
ASV There is gold, and abundance of rubies; But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
WEB There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.
YLT Substance, gold, and a multitude of rubies, Yea, a precious vessel, <FI>are<Fi> lips of knowledge.
DRB There is gold and a multitude of jewels: but the lips of knowledge are a precious vessel.
DBY There is gold, and a multitude of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a precious Jewel.
GNV There is golde, and a multitude of precious stones: but the lips of knowledge are a precious iewel.
LSB There is gold, and an abundance of pearls; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious vessel.
Verse 16
KJV Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
ASV Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge [that is surety] for foreigners.
WEB Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman.
YLT Take his garment when a stranger hath been surety, And for strangers pledge it.
DRB Take away the garment of him that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge from him for strangers.
DBY Take his garment that is become surety [for] another, and hold him in pledge for strangers.
GNV Take his garment, that is suretie for a stranger, and a pledge of him for the stranger.
LSB Take his garment when he becomes a guarantor for a stranger; And for foreigners, hold him in pledge.
Verse 17
KJV Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
ASV Bread of falsehood is sweet to a man; But afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
WEB Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.
YLT Sweet to a man <FI>is<Fi> the bread of falsehood, And afterwards is his mouth filled <FI>with<Fi> gravel.
DRB The bread of lying is sweet to a man: but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
DBY Bread of falsehood is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
GNV The bread of deceit is sweete to a man: but afterward his mouth shalbe filled with grauel.
LSB Bread obtained by lying is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
Verse 18
KJV Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
ASV Every purpose is established by counsel; And by wise guidance make thou war.
WEB Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war!
YLT Purposes by counsel thou dost establish, And with plans make thou war.
DRB Designs are strengthened by counsels: and wars are to be managed by governments.
DBY Plans are established by counsel; and with good advice make war.
GNV Establish the thoughtes by counsell: and by counsell make warre.
LSB Thoughts are established by counsel, So make war by guidance.
Verse 19
KJV He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
ASV He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; Therefore company not with him that openeth wide his lips.
WEB He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips.
YLT A revealer of secret counsels is the busybody, And for a deceiver <FI>with<Fi> his lips make not thyself surety.
DRB Meddle not with him that revealeth secrets, and walketh deceitfully, and openeth wide his lips.
DBY He that goeth about talebearing revealeth secrets; therefore meddle not with him that openeth his lips.
GNV He that goeth about as a slanderer, discouereth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
LSB He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with one of loose lips.
Verse 20
KJV Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
ASV Whoso curseth his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.
WEB Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.
YLT Whoso is vilifying his father and his mother, Extinguished is his lamp in blackness of darkness.
DRB He that curseth his father, and mother, his lamp shall be put out in the midst of darkness.
DBY Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in the blackest darkness.
GNV He that curseth his father or his mother, his light shalbe put out in obscure darkenes.
LSB He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in the midst of darkness.
Verse 21
KJV An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
ASV An inheritance [may be] gotten hastily at the beginning; But the end thereof shall not be blessed.
WEB An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning, won’t be blessed in the end.
YLT An inheritance gotten wrongly at first, Even its latter end is not blessed.
DRB The inheritance gotten hastily in the beginning, in the end shall be without a blessing.
DBY An inheritance obtained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed in the end.
GNV An heritage is hastely gotten at the beginning, but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
LSB An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning In the end will not be blessed.
Verse 22
KJV Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
ASV Say not thou, I will recompense evil: Wait for Jehovah, and he will save thee.
WEB Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.
YLT Do not say, `I recompense evil,' Wait for Jehovah, and He delivereth thee.
DRB Say not: I will return evil: wait for the Lord, and he will deliver thee.
DBY Say not, I will recompense evil: wait on Jehovah, and he shall save thee.
GNV Say not thou, I wil recompense euill: but waite vpon the Lord, and he shall saue thee.
LSB Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Hope in Yahweh, and He will save you.
Verse 23
KJV Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
ASV Diverse weights are an abomination to Jehovah; And a false balance is not good.
WEB Yahweh detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing.
YLT An abomination to Jehovah <FI>are<Fi> a stone and a stone, And balances of deceit <FI>are<Fi> not good.
DRB Diverse weights are an abomination before the Lord: a deceitful balance is not good.
DBY Divers weights are an abomination unto Jehovah; and a false balance is not good.
GNV Diuers weightes are an abomination vnto the Lord, and deceitful balances are not good.
LSB Differing weights are an abomination to Yahweh, And a deceitful balance is not good.
Verse 24
KJV Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
ASV A man`s goings are of Jehovah; How then can man understand his way?
WEB A man’s steps are from Yahweh; how then can man understand his way?
YLT From Jehovah <FI>are<Fi> the steps of a man, And man--how understandeth he his way?
DRB The steps of men are guided by the Lord: but who is the man that can understand his own way?
DBY The steps of a man are from Jehovah; and how can a man understand his own way?
GNV The steps of man are ruled by the Lord: how can a man then vnderstand his owne way?
LSB The steps of a man are from Yahweh, How then can man understand his way?
Verse 25
KJV It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
ASV It is a snare to a man rashly to say, [It is] holy, And after vows to make inquiry.
WEB It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, then later to consider his vows.
YLT A snare to a man <FI>is<Fi> he hath swallowed a holy thing, And after vows to make inquiry.
DRB It is ruin to a man to devour holy ones, and after vows to retract.
DBY It is a snare to a man rashly to say, It is hallowed, and after vows to make inquiry.
GNV It is a destruction for a man to deuoure that which is sanctified, and after the vowes to inquire.
LSB It is a trap for a man to say rashly, “It is holy!” And after the vows to make inquiry.
Verse 26
KJV A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
ASV A wise king winnoweth the wicked, And bringeth the [threshing] -wheel over them.
WEB A wise king winnows out the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them.
YLT A wise king is scattering the wicked, And turneth back on them the wheel.
DRB A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth over them the wheel.
DBY A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
GNV A wise King scattereth the wicked, and causeth the wheele to turne ouer them.
LSB A wise king winnows the wicked, And turns the threshing wheel over them.
Verse 27
KJV The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
ASV The spirit of man is the lamp of Jehovah, Searching all his innermost parts.
WEB The spirit of man is Yahweh’s lamp, searching all his innermost parts.
YLT The breath of man <FI>is<Fi> a lamp of Jehovah, Searching all the inner parts of the heart.
DRB The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, which searcheth all the hidden things of the bowels.
DBY Man's spirit is the lamp of Jehovah, searching all the inner parts of the belly.
GNV The light of the Lord is the breath of man, and searcheth all the bowels of the belly.
LSB The breath of man is the lamp of Yahweh, Searching all the innermost parts of his body.
Verse 28
KJV Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
ASV Kindness and truth preserve the king; And his throne is upholden by kindness.
WEB Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love.
YLT Kindness and truth keep a king, And he hath supported by kindness his throne.
DRB Mercy and truth preserve the king, and his throne is strengthened by clemency.
DBY Mercy and truth preserve the king; and he upholdeth his throne by mercy.
GNV Mercie and trueth preserue the King: for his throne shall be established with mercie.
LSB Lovingkindness and truth will guard the king, And he upholds his throne by lovingkindness.
Verse 29
KJV The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.
ASV The glory of young men is their strength; And the beauty of old men is the hoary head.
WEB The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair.
YLT The beauty of young men is their strength, And the honour of old men is grey hairs.
DRB The joy of young men is their strength: and the dignity of old men, their grey hairs.
DBY The glory of young men is their strength; and the beauty of old men is the grey head.
GNV The beautie of yong men is their strength, and the glory of the aged is the gray head.
LSB The honor of young men is their strength, And the majesty of old men is their gray hair.
Verse 30
KJV The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
ASV Stripes that wound cleanse away evil; And strokes [reach] the innermost parts.
WEB Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost parts.
YLT The bandages of a wound thou removest with the evil, Also the plagues of the inner parts of the heart!
DRB The blueness of a wound shall wipe away evils: and stripes in the more inward parts of the belly.
DBY Wounding stripes purge away evil, and strokes [purge] the inner parts of the belly.
GNV The blewnes of the wound serueth to purge the euill, and the stripes within the bowels of the belly.
LSB Stripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes reach the innermost parts of the body.