Proverbs 20

Chapter 20

1 Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls.
Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.2 The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar;
to rouse his anger is to risk your life.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.8 When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence,
distinguishing the bad from the good.9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart;
I am pure and free from sin”?10 False weights and unequal measurest—
the LORD detests double standards of every kind.11 Even children are known by the way they act,
whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.12 Ears to hear and eyes to see—
both are gifts from the LORD.13 If you love sleep, you will end in poverty.
Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!14 The buyer haggles over the price, saying, “It’s worthless,”
then brags about getting a bargain!15 Wise words are more valuable
than much gold and many rubies.16 Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt.
Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners.t17 Stolen bread tastes sweet,
but it turns to gravel in the mouth.18 Plans succeed through good counsel;
don’t go to war without wise advice.19 A gossip goes around telling secrets,
so don’t hang around with chatterers.20 If you insult your father or mother,
your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.21 An inheritance obtained too early in life
is not a blessing in the end.22 Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.”
Wait for the LORD to handle the matter.23 The LORD detests double standards;
he is not pleased by dishonest scales.24 The LORD directs our steps,
so why try to understand everything along the way?25 Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God
and only later counting the cost.26 A wise king scatters the wicked like wheat,
then runs his threshing wheel over them.27 The LORD’s light penetrates the human spirit,t
exposing every hidden motive.28 Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king;
his throne is made secure through love.29 The glory of the young is their strength;
the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.30 Physical punishment cleanses away evil;t
such discipline purifies the heart.

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 is like the roar of a lion;
he who angers him forfeits his life.

3 It is to a man's honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.

4 A sluggard does not plow in season;
so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.

5 The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters,
but a man of understanding draws them out.

6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love,
but a faithful man who can find?

7 The righteous man leads a blameless life;
blessed are his children after him.

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 a child is known by his actions,
by whether his conduct is pure and right.

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 off he goes and boasts about his 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 he does it for a wayward woman.

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

18 Make plans by seeking advice;
if you wage war, obtain guidance.

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

20 If a man curses his father or mother,
his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning
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 deliver you.

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

24 A man's steps are directed by the Lord.
How then can anyone understand his own way?

25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly
and only later to consider his vows.

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

27 The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man;
it searches out his 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.