Proverbs 20

Wine is a mocker

Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.a ²A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives. ³It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.b

⁴Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.c ⁵The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.d ⁶Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?

⁷The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.e ⁸When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes. ⁹Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?f

¹⁰Differing weights and differing measures— the Lord detests them both. ¹¹Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really 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; stay awake and you will have food to spare.i ¹⁴“It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer— then goes off and boasts about the purchase. ¹⁵Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

¹⁶Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider. ¹⁷Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel. ¹⁸Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.

¹⁹A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much. ²⁰If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.j ²¹An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.

²²Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.k ²³The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him. ²⁴A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?l

²⁵It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows. ²⁶A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them. ²⁷The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.m

²⁸Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure. ²⁹The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.n ³⁰Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.o