Proverbs 20

Wine is a mocker

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.a ²The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life. ³It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.b

⁴The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.c ⁵The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.d ⁶Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?

⁷The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.e ⁸A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes. ⁹Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?f

¹⁰Differing weights and unequal measures — both are detestable to the LORD. ¹¹Even a young man is known by his actions— whether his conduct is pure and upright.g ¹²Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.h

¹³Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food.i ¹⁴“Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats. ¹⁵There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.

¹⁶Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner. ¹⁷Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel. ¹⁸Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.

¹⁹He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips. ²⁰Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.j ²¹An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end.

²²Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.k ²³Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good. ²⁴A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way?l

²⁵It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows. ²⁶A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them. ²⁷The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being.m

²⁸Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne. ²⁹The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old.n ³⁰Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts.o