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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even a young man is known by his actions—whether his conduct is pure and upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work <i>be</i> pure, and whether <i>it be</i> right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does <i>is</i> pure and right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is by his deeds that a boy distinguishes himself, If his conduct is pure and right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />It is by his deeds that a young man makes himself known If his conduct is pure and right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Even a boy is known <i>and</i> distinguished by his acts, Whether his conduct is pure and right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even a young man is known by his actions — by whether his behavior is pure and upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even a young man is known by his actions— if his behavior is pure and upright. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Even a child maketh himself known by his doings, Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The good or bad that children do shows what they are like. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Even a child maketh himself known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Even a child makes himself known by his actions, whether his deeds are pure or right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Even children show what they are by what they do; you can tell if they are honest and good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Even a child is known by his actions, whether his deeds are pure and right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even a young man is known by his actions?whether his conduct is pure and upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Even a young man is known by his actions, whether his activity is pure and whether it is right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Even by his actions a youth makes himself known, "" Whether his work is pure or upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Even by his actions a youth maketh himself known, Whether his work be pure or upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Also a youth shall be known by his doings, if pure and straight his work.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />By his inclinations a child is known, if his works be clean and right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A child may be understood by his interests: whether his works may be clean and upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />In their actions even children can playact though their deeds be blameless and right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Even children make themselves known by their acts, by whether what they do is pure and right.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Even a child is known by his doings, whether his works are pure and whether they are right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Even by his work a boy is known, if he is pure, and if his works are right.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Even a child is known by his doings, Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A youth <i>when in company</i> with a godly man, will be restrained in his devices, and <i>then</i> his way will be straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/20-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4000" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Wine is a Mocker</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>Differing weights and unequal measures—both are detestable to the LORD. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">Even</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: nā·‘ar (N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">a young man</a> <a href="/hebrew/5234.htm" title="5234: yiṯ·nak·ker- (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- To regard, recognize. ">is known</a> <a href="/hebrew/4611.htm" title="4611: bə·ma·‘ă·lā·lāw (Prep-b:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A deed, practice. From alal; an act.">by his actions—</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">whether</a> <a href="/hebrew/6467.htm" title="6467: pā·‘o·lōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Doing, deed, work. From pa'al; an act or work.">his conduct</a> <a href="/hebrew/2134.htm" title="2134: zaḵ (Adj-ms) -- Pure, clean. From zakak; clear.">is pure</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/3477.htm" title="3477: yā·šār (Adj-ms) -- Straight, right. From yashar; straight.">and upright.</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>Ears that hear and eyes that see—the LORD has made them both.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Matthew 7:16-20</a></span><br />By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. / A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-43.htm">Luke 6:43-45</a></span><br />No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. / For each tree is known by its own fruit. Indeed, figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor grapes from brambles. / The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-11.htm">James 3:11-12</a></span><br />Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? / My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-33.htm">Matthew 12:33-35</a></span><br />Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit. / You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-7.htm">1 John 3:7-10</a></span><br />Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. / The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil. / Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a></span><br />But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8-10</a></span><br />For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, / for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. / Test and prove what pleases the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">1 Timothy 4:12</a></span><br />Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12</a></span><br />Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Colossians 1:10</a></span><br />so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-1.htm">Psalm 15:1-2</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy mountain? / He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-9.htm">Psalm 119:9</a></span><br />How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Jeremiah 17:10</a></span><br />I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-10.htm">Isaiah 3:10-11</a></span><br />Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. / Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/14-4.htm">Job 14:4</a></span><br />Who can bring out clean from unclean? No one!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/21-8.htm">Proverbs 21:8</a></b></br> The way of man <i>is</i> froward and strange: but <i>as for</i> the pure, his work <i>is</i> right.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Proverbs 22:15</a></b></br> Foolishness <i>is</i> bound in the heart of a child; <i>but</i> the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/51-5.htm">Psalm 51:5</a></b></br> Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/106-29.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-6.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-3.htm">Child</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Conduct</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-14.htm">Doings</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-9.htm">Free</a> <a href="/psalms/143-2.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-35.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-22.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-9.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-28.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-9.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-7.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/psalms/87-7.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Work</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-7.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/3-8.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-28.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Child</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-8.htm">Conduct</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Doings</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Free</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-21.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-14.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-17.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-8.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-2.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-4.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-28.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-9.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-12.htm">Work</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Proper Living</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Even a young man is known by his actions—</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of actions over words, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible. In biblical times, character was often assessed by one's deeds rather than age or status. The Hebrew culture placed significant value on the reputation and actions of individuals, as seen in passages like <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>, where God tells Samuel that He looks at the heart rather than outward appearances. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches that a tree is known by its fruit (<a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Matthew 7:16-20</a>). The emphasis on actions aligns with the biblical understanding that faith without works is dead (<a href="/james/2-26.htm">James 2:26</a>).<p><b>whether his conduct is pure and upright.</b><br>The terms "pure" and "upright" reflect the moral and ethical standards expected of individuals in the biblical context. Purity often refers to moral cleanliness and integrity, a concept deeply rooted in the Levitical laws, which required the Israelites to be holy as God is holy (<a href="/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2</a>). Uprightness denotes righteousness and adherence to God's commandments, as seen in the lives of figures like Job, who was described as blameless and upright (<a href="/job/1.htm">Job 1:1</a>). This phrase underscores the biblical teaching that true righteousness is demonstrated through one's conduct, aligning with the call to live a life worthy of the gospel (<a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Philippians 1:27</a>). The focus on conduct also points to the transformative power of a relationship with God, as seen in the life of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied purity and uprightness, setting an example for believers to follow (<a href="/1_peter/2-21.htm">1 Peter 2:21-22</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/y/young_man.htm">Young Man</a></b><br>The term "young man" in this context refers to a youth or child, emphasizing that even at a young age, one's actions reveal character. The Hebrew word used here is "na'ar," which can mean a boy, lad, or youth, indicating someone who is still in the formative stages of life.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/actions.htm">Actions</a></b><br>This refers to the deeds or behaviors of the young man. The Hebrew word "ma'aseh" is used, which encompasses work, deeds, or actions, highlighting the importance of what one does.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/conduct.htm">Conduct</a></b><br>This term relates to the manner in which the young man behaves. The Hebrew word "halikah" is used, which means way, path, or conduct, indicating the overall lifestyle or behavior pattern.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/purity_and_uprightness.htm">Purity and Uprightness</a></b><br>These are the qualities by which the young man's actions are judged. "Pure" in Hebrew is "zak," meaning clean or innocent, and "upright" is "yashar," meaning straight or right, emphasizing moral integrity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/character_revealed_through_actions.htm">Character Revealed Through Actions</a></b><br>Our actions are a reflection of our inner character. Even at a young age, what we do speaks volumes about who we are.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/importance_of_early_moral_development.htm">Importance of Early Moral Development</a></b><br>It is crucial to instill values of purity and uprightness in children and young people, as these will guide their actions and decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_conduct.htm">Consistency in Conduct</a></b><br>Strive for consistency in your behavior, ensuring that your actions align with your professed beliefs and values.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_parents_and_mentors.htm">Role of Parents and Mentors</a></b><br>Parents and mentors play a vital role in guiding young people towards a path of righteousness by setting examples and providing instruction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Regularly assess your actions and conduct to ensure they reflect purity and uprightness, making adjustments as necessary.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_prov._20_11_align_with_child_psych.htm">Proverbs 20:11 suggests even children’s actions reveal their character—how does this align with modern psychological studies on child development? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'child_known_by_deeds'.htm">What does "Even a Child is Known by His Deeds" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'heartily_as_unto_the_lord'_mean.htm">What does 'Even a Child is Known by His Deeds' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_bible_teach_kindness.htm">What does the Bible say about sexual morality?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">Even a child is known by his doings </span>. . .--The disposition soon shews itself; all the more reason, therefore, to train it betimes.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Even a child is known</span> (<span class="accented">maketh himself known</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>by his doings</span>. (For "even" (<span class="accented">gam</span>), see on Proverbs 17:26.) A child is open, simple, and straightforward in his actions; he has not the reserves and concealments which men practise, so you see by his conduct what his real character and disposition are. Ewald takes <span class="hebrew">מעלליו</span> in the sense of "play," "games;" but it seems never to have this meaning, and there is no need to change the usual signification. The habits of a life are learned in early age. The boy is father of the man. Delitzsch quotes the German proverbs, "What means to become a hook bends itself early," and "What means to become a thorn sharpens itself early;" and the Aramaean, "That which will become a gourd shows itself in the bud:" <span class="cmt_word">Whether his work be pure</span> ("clean," as ver. 9 and <a href="/proverbs/16-2.htm">Proverbs 16:2</a>), <span class="cmt_word">and whether it be right.</span> His conduct will show thus much, end will help one to prognosticate the future. Septuagint (according to the Vatican), "In his pursuits (<span class="greek">ἐπιήδευμασιν</span>) a young man will be fettered in company with a holy man, and his way will be straight," which seems to mean that a good man will restrain the reckless doings of a giddy youth, and will lead him into better courses. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/20-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Even</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(gam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a young man</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֑עַר</span> <span class="translit">(nā·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boy, lad, youth, retainer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is known</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתְנַכֶּר־</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·nak·ker-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5234.htm">Strong's 5234: </a> </span><span class="str2">To regard, recognize</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by his actions—</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֭מַעֲלָלָיו</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ma·‘ă·lā·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4611.htm">Strong's 4611: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deed, practice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whether</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his conduct</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּעֳלֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(pā·‘o·lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6467.htm">Strong's 6467: </a> </span><span class="str2">Doing, deed, work</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is pure</span><br /><span class="heb">זַ֖ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(zaḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2134.htm">Strong's 2134: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pure, clean</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and upright.</span><br /><span class="heb">יָשָׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(yā·šār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3477.htm">Strong's 3477: </a> </span><span class="str2">Straight, right</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/20-11.htm">Proverbs 20:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20-11.htm">Proverbs 20:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/20-11.htm">Proverbs 20:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20-11.htm">Proverbs 20:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20-11.htm">Proverbs 20:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/20-11.htm">Proverbs 20:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/20-11.htm">Proverbs 20:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/20-11.htm">Proverbs 20:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/20-11.htm">Proverbs 20:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/20-11.htm">Proverbs 20:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:11 Even a child makes himself known (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/20-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 20:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/20-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 20:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>