Proverbs 20:5-9
Proverbs 20:5-9 The Message (MSG)
Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within. Lots of people claim to be loyal and loving, but where on earth can you find one? God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children. Leaders who know their business and care keep a sharp eye out for the shoddy and cheap, For who among us can be trusted to be always diligent and honest?
Proverbs 20:5-9 King James Version (KJV)
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; But a man of understanding will draw it out. Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: But a faithful man who can find? The just man walketh in his integrity: His children are blessed after him. A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment Scattereth away all evil with his eyes. Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Proverbs 20:5-9 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out. Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man? A righteous man who walks in his integrity— How blessed are his sons after him. A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes. Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”?
Proverbs 20:5-9 New Century Version (NCV)
People’s thoughts can be like a deep well, but someone with understanding can find the wisdom there. Many people claim to be loyal, but it is hard to find a trustworthy person. The good people who live honest lives will be a blessing to their children. When a king sits on his throne to judge, he knows evil when he sees it. No one can say, “I am innocent; I have never done anything wrong.”
Proverbs 20:5-9 American Standard Version (ASV)
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; But a man of understanding will draw it out. Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness; But a faithful man who can find? A righteous man that walketh in his integrity, Blessed are his children after him. A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment Scattereth away all evil with his eyes. Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Proverbs 20:5-9 New International Version (NIV)
The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them. When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes. Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?
Proverbs 20:5-9 New King James Version (NKJV)
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out. Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man? The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters all evil with his eyes. Who can say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin”?
Proverbs 20:5-9 Amplified Bible (AMP)
A plan (motive, wise counsel) in the heart of a man is like water in a deep well, But a man of understanding draws it out. [Prov 18:4] Many a man proclaims his own loyalty and goodness, But who can find a faithful and trustworthy man? The righteous man who walks in integrity and lives life in accord with his [godly] beliefs— How blessed [happy and spiritually secure] are his children after him [who have his example to follow]. A [discerning] king who sits on the throne of judgment Sifts all evil [like chaff] with his eyes [and cannot be easily fooled]. Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin?” [1 Kin 8:46; 2 Chr 6:36; Job 9:30; 14:4; Ps 51:5; 1 John 1:8]
Proverbs 20:5-9 New Living Translation (NLT)
Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out. Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good. Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin”?
Proverbs 20:5-9 The Passion Translation (TPT)
A man of deep understanding will give good advice, drawing it out from the well within. Many will tell you they’re your loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly trustworthy? The lovers of God will walk in integrity, and their children are fortunate to have godly parents as their examples. A righteous king sits on his judgment seat. He scatters evil away from his kingdom by his wise discernment. Which one of us can truly say, “I am free from sin in my life, for my heart is clean and pure”?
Proverbs 20:5-9 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find? The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him! A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes. Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”?