Proverbs 20:10-23

10If people use false weights and measures, the Lord hates anything like that.

11Even children show what they are like by the things that they do. You can see if they are honest and good.

12The Lord has made us with ears to hear with and eyes to see with. They are both his gift to us.

13If you love to sleep too much, you will become poor. Keep awake so that you have food on the table!

14When somebody is buying something, he says, ‘It is worth nothing!’ But later he boasts about the cheap price!

15Words that help you to learn things are very valuable. They are more valuable than gold or jewels.

16If someone promises to pay the debts of a stranger, take his coat as a guarantee that he will pay.

17If you cheat someone to get food to eat, it may seem good when you taste it. But soon it will be like sand in your mouth.

18Things will go well if you receive good advice. If you want to fight a war, ask wise people to be your advisors.

19Keep away from people who talk too much. They will tell everybody about your secrets.

20If you insult your parents, your life will quickly finish, like a lamp that suddenly goes out and leaves you in complete darkness.

21If you receive riches too early in life, it will do you no good in the end.

22Do not say, ‘I will pay you back for the evil thing you did to me.’ Trust the Lord to make it right for you.

23The Lord hates traders who use false weights. He hates scales that do not weigh things properly.