Proverbs 20
Wine Is a Mocker
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.1
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 2— 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.3
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 4 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 5 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.