Proverbs 20:3–7

3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,

but every fool will be quarreling.

4 The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;

he will seek at harvest and have nothing.

5 The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water,

but a man of understanding will draw it out.

6 Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,

but a faithful man who can find?

7 The righteous who walks in his integrity—

blessed are his children after him!

3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife:

But every fool will be meddling.

4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold;

Therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water;

But a man of understanding will draw it out.

6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness:

But a faithful man who can find?

7 The just man walketh in his integrity:

His children are blessed after him.

3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;

only fools insist on quarreling.

4 Those too lazy to plow in the right season

will have no food at the harvest.

5 Though good advice lies deep within the heart,

a person with understanding will draw it out.

6 Many will say they are loyal friends,

but who can find one who is truly reliable?

7 The godly walk with integrity;

blessed are their children who follow them.

3 It is honorable for a man to stop striving,

Since any fool can start a quarrel.

4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter;

He will beg during harvest and have nothing.

5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water,

But a man of understanding will draw it out.

6 Most men will proclaim each his own goodness,

But who can find a faithful man?

7 The righteous man walks in his integrity;

His children are blessed after him.

3 Foolish people are always fighting,

but avoiding quarrels will bring you honor.

4 Lazy farmers don’t plow when they should;

they expect a harvest, but there is none.

5 People’s thoughts can be like a deep well,

but someone with understanding can find the wisdom there.

6 Many people claim to be loyal,

but it is hard to find a trustworthy person.

7 The good people who live honest lives

will be a blessing to their children.

3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife;

But every fool will be quarrelling.

4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter;

Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water;

But a man of understanding will draw it out.

6 Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness;

But a faithful man who can find?

7 A righteous man that walketh in his integrity,

Blessed are his children after him.

3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife; but every fool rusheth into it.

4 The sluggard will not plough by reason of the winter; he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

5 Counsel in the heart of man is deep water, and a man of understanding draweth it out.

6 Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness; but a faithful man who shall find?

7 The righteous walketh in his integrity: blessed are his children after him!

3 Avoiding a quarrel is honorable. 

After all, any stubborn fool can start a fight. 

4 A lazy person does not plow in the fall.

He looks for something in the harvest but finds nothing. 

5 A motive in the human heart is like deep water, 

and a person who has understanding draws it out. 

6 Many people declare themselves loyal, 

but who can find someone who is ⸤really⸥ trustworthy? 

7 A righteous person lives on the basis of his integrity. 

Blessed are his children after he is gone. 

3 It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute,

but any fool can get himself into a quarrel.

4 The slacker does not plow during planting season;

at harvest time he looks, and there is nothing.

5 Counsel in a man’s heart is deep water;

but a man of understanding draws it out.

6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty,

but who can find a trustworthy man?

7 The one who lives with integrity is righteous;

his children who come after him will be happy.

3 It is honorable to refrain from strife,

but every fool is quick to quarrel.

4 The lazy person does not plow in season;

harvest comes, and there is nothing to be found.

5 The purposes in the human mind are like deep water,

but the intelligent will draw them out.

6 Many proclaim themselves loyal,

but who can find one worthy of trust?

7 The righteous walk in integrity—

happy are the children who follow them!

3 It is honorable for the man to refrain from strife,

but every fool will be quick to quarrel.

4 The lazy person will not plow in season;

he will expect at the harvest, but there will be nothing.

5 Deep waters are like purpose in the heart of a man,

and a man of understanding will draw it out.

6 Many a person will proclaim his loyalty for himself,

but a man who is trustworthy, who can find?

7 He who walks in his integrity is righteous;

happy are his children who follow him.

3 Avoiding a fight brings honor to a man.

But every foolish person is quick to argue.

4 Anyone who refuses to work doesn’t plow in the right season.

When he looks for a crop at harvest time, he doesn’t find it.

5 The purposes of a man’s heart are like deep water.

But a man who has understanding brings them out.

6 Many claim to have love that never fails.

But who can find a faithful man?

7 Anyone who does what is right lives without blame.

Blessed are his children after him.

3 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man,

But any fool will quarrel.

4 The sluggard does not plow after the autumn,

So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.

5 A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water,

But a man of understanding draws it out.

6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty,

But who can find a trustworthy man?

7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity—

How blessed are his sons after him.