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Proverbs 20:14-16
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Proverbs 20:14-16
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
14 “Bad, bad!” says the buyer,
then goes away only to boast.[a]
15 One can put on gold and abundant jewels,
but wise lips are the most precious ornament.[b]
16 Take the garment of the one who became surety for a stranger;(A)
if for foreigners, exact the pledge![c]
Footnotes
- 20:14 Bartering invites playacting and masking one’s true intent. The truth of words depends on their context.
- 20:15 Wisdom is said to be preferable to gold in 3:14; 8:10, 19; 16:16. Colon B suggests that the gold and jewelry here are ornaments for the face (cf. Gn 24:53; Ex 3:22; Is 61:10). Wise lips are the most beautiful adornment, for they display the wisdom of the heart.
- 20:16 The text is not clear. See 27:13. Caution in becoming surety is always advised (cf. 6:1–3), and it is especially advisable with strangers.
Proverbs 20:14-16
New International Version
Proverbs 20:14-16
New International Version
14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer—
then goes off and boasts about the purchase.
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)
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New International Version (NIV) 
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