Proverbs
Chapter 20
- 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.