Proverbs 20

1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;
those who anger him forfeit their lives.

3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.

4 Sluggards do not plow in season;
so at harvest time they look but find nothing.

5 The purposes of the human heart are deep waters,
but those who have insight draw them out.

6 Many claim to have unfailing love,
but a faithful person who can find?

7 The righteous lead blameless lives;
blessed are their children after them.

8 When a king sits on his throne to judge,
he winnows out all evil with his eyes.

9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
I am clean and without sin”?

10 Differing weights and differing measures—
the Lord detests them both.

11 Even small children are known by their actions,
so is their conduct really pure and upright?

12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—
the Lord has made them both.

13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
stay awake and you will have food to spare.

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.

16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.

17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,
but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.

18 Plans are established by seeking advice;
so if you wage war, obtain guidance.

19 A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid anyone who talks too much.

20 If you curse your father or mother,
your lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

21 An inheritance claimed too soon
will not be blessed at the end.

22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”
Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.

23 The Lord detests differing weights,
and dishonest scales do not please him.

24 A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.
How then can anyone understand their own way?

25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly
and only later to consider one’s vows.

26 A wise king winnows out the wicked;
he drives the threshing wheel over them.

27 The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord
that sheds light on one’s inmost being.

28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;
through love his throne is made secure.

29 The glory of young men is their strength,
gray hair the splendor of the old.

30 Blows and wounds cleanse away evil,
and beatings purge the inmost being.

PROVERBS 20

Words of Wisdom Are Better //than Gold

1 It isn't smart to get drunk!
Drinking makes a fool of you
and leads to fights.

2 An angry ruler
is like a roaring lion—
make either one angry,
and you are dead.

3 It makes you look good
when you avoid a fight—
only fools love to quarrel.

4 If you are too lazy to plow,
don't expect a harvest.

5 Someone's thoughts may be
as deep as the ocean,
but if you are smart,
you will discover them.

6 There are many who say,
“You can trust me!”
But can they be trusted?

7 Good people live right,
and God blesses the children
who follow their example.

8 When rulers decide cases,
they weigh the evidence.

9 Can any of us really say,
“My thoughts are pure,
and my sins are gone”?

10 Two things the [Lord] hates
are dishonest scales
and dishonest measures.

11 The good or bad
that children do
shows what they are like.

12 Hearing and seeing
are gifts from the [Lord].

13 If you sleep all the time,
you will starve;
if you get up and work,
you will have enough food.

14 Everyone likes to brag
about getting a bargain.

15 Sensible words are better
than gold or jewels.

16 You deserve to lose your coat
if you loan it to someone
to guarantee payment
for the debt of a stranger.

17 The food you get by cheating
may taste delicious,
but it turns to gravel.

18 Be sure you have sound advice
before making plans
or starting a war.

19 Stay away from gossips—
they tell everything.

20 Children who curse their parents
will go to the land of darkness
long before their time.

21 Getting rich quickt
may turn out to be a curse.

22 Don't try to get even.
Trust the [Lord],
and he will help you.

23 The [Lord] hates dishonest scales
and dishonest weights.
So don't cheat!

24 How can we know
what will happen to us
when the [Lord] alone decides?

25 Don't fall into the trap
of making promises to God
before you think!

26 A wise ruler severely punishes
every criminal.

27 Our inner thoughts are a lamp
from the [Lord],
and they search our hearts.

28 Rulers are protected
by God's mercy and loyalty,
butt they must be merciful
for their kingdoms to last.

29 Young people take pride
in their strength,
but the gray hairs of wisdom
are even more beautiful.

30 A severe beating can knock all
of the evil out of you!