Proverbs 20:25-30
Proverbs 20:25-30 The Message (MSG)
An impulsive vow is a trap; later you’ll wish you could get out of it. After careful scrutiny, a wise leader makes a clean sweep of rebels and dolts. GOD is in charge of human life, watching and examining us inside and out. Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity. Youth may be admired for vigor, but gray hair gives prestige to old age. A good thrashing purges evil; punishment goes deep within us.
Proverbs 20:25-30 King James Version (KJV)
It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, And after vows to make enquiry. A wise king scattereth the wicked, And bringeth the wheel over them. The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, Searching all the inward parts of the belly. Mercy and truth preserve the king: And his throne is upholden by mercy. The glory of young men is their strength: And the beauty of old men is the grey head. The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: So do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
Proverbs 20:25-30 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
It is a trap for a man to say rashly, “It is holy!” And after the vows to make inquiry. A wise king winnows the wicked, And drives the threshing wheel over them. The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the innermost parts of his being. Loyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by righteousness. The glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of old men is their gray hair. Stripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes reach the innermost parts.
Proverbs 20:25-30 New Century Version (NCV)
It’s dangerous to promise something to God too quickly. After you’ve thought about it, it may be too late. A wise king sorts out the evil people, and he punishes them as they deserve. The LORD looks deep inside people and searches through their thoughts. Loyalty and truth keep a king in power; he continues to rule if he is loyal. The young glory in their strength, and the old are honored for their gray hair. Hard punishment will get rid of evil, and whippings can change an evil heart.
Proverbs 20:25-30 American Standard Version (ASV)
It is a snare to a man rashly to say, It is holy, And after vows to make inquiry. A wise king winnoweth the wicked, And bringeth the threshing-wheel over them. The spirit of man is the lamp of Jehovah, Searching all his innermost parts. Kindness and truth preserve the king; And his throne is upholden by kindness. The glory of young men is their strength; And the beauty of old men is the hoary head. Stripes that wound cleanse away evil; And strokes reach the innermost parts.
Proverbs 20:25-30 New International Version (NIV)
It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows. A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them. The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one’s inmost being. Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure. The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old. Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.
Proverbs 20:25-30 New King James Version (NKJV)
It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows. A wise king sifts out the wicked, And brings the threshing wheel over them. The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the inner depths of his heart. Mercy and truth preserve the king, And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne. The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head. Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.
Proverbs 20:25-30 Amplified Bible (AMP)
It is a trap for a man to [speak a vow of consecration and] say rashly, “It is holy!” And [not until] afterward consider [whether he can fulfill it]. A wise king sifts out the wicked [from among the good] And drives the [threshing] wheel over them [to separate the chaff from the grain]. The spirit (conscience) of man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching and examining all the innermost parts of his being. [1 Cor 2:11] Loyalty and mercy, truth and faithfulness, protect the king, And he upholds his throne by lovingkindness. The glory of young men is their [physical] strength, And the honor of aged men is their gray head [representing wisdom and experience]. Blows that wound cleanse away evil, And strokes reach to the innermost parts.
Proverbs 20:25-30 New Living Translation (NLT)
Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost. A wise king scatters the wicked like wheat, then runs his threshing wheel over them. The LORD’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive. Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love. The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old. Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart.
Proverbs 20:25-30 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Be careful in making a rash promise before God, or you may be trapped by your vow and live to regret it. A wise king is able to discern corruption and remove wickedness from his kingdom. The spirit God breathed into man is like a living lamp, a shining light searching into the innermost chamber of our being. Good leadership is built on love and truth, for kindness and integrity are what keep leaders in their position of trust. We admire the young for their strength and beauty, but the dignity of the old is their wisdom. When you are punished severely, you learn your lesson well— for painful experiences do wonders to change your life.
Proverbs 20:25-30 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,” and to reflect only after making vows. A wise king winnows the wicked and drives the wheel over them. The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all his innermost parts. Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld. The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair. Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.