Proverbs 20:1–30

¹ Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. ² The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life. ³ It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel. ⁴ The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there. ⁵ The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. ⁶ Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man? ⁷ The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him. ⁸ A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes. ⁹ Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”? ¹⁰ Differing weights and unequal measures — both are detestable to the LORD. ¹¹ Even a young man is known by his actions— whether his conduct is 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; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food. ¹⁴ “Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats. ¹⁵ There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure. ¹⁶ Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner. ¹⁷ Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel. ¹⁸ Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance. ¹⁹ He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips. ²⁰ Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness. ²¹ An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end. ²² Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you. ²³ Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good. ²⁴ A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way? ²⁵ It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows. ²⁶ A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them. ²⁷ The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being. ²⁸ Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne. ²⁹ The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old. ³⁰ Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts.