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

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!