Proverbs 20

On Life and Conduct

11Wine is a mocker, 2strong drink a brawler, And whoever 3is intoxicated by it is not wise.2The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger 45forfeits his own life.367Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will 8quarrel.4The 9sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he 10begs during the harvest and has nothing.5A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out.6Many a man 11proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a 12trustworthy man?7A righteous man who 13walks in his integrity-- 14How blessed are his sons after him.815A king who sits on the throne of justice 16Disperses all evil with his eyes.917Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”?101819Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to the Lord.11It is by his deeds that a lad 2021distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right.12The hearing 22ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made both of them.1323Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with 24food.14“Bad, bad,” says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts.15There is gold, and an abundance of 25jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.16Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger; And for foreigners, hold him in pledge.1726Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.18Prepare 27plans by consultation, And 28make war by wise guidance.19He who 29goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with 3031a gossip.20He who 32curses his father or his mother, His 33lamp will go out in 34time of darkness.21An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end.2235Do not say, “I will repay evil”; 36Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.233738Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, And a 3940false scale is not good.2441Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord, How then can man understand his way?25It is a trap for a man to say rashly, “It is holy!” And 42after the vows to make inquiry.26A 43wise king winnows the wicked, And 44drives the 45threshing wheel over them.27The 4647spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the 48innermost parts of his being.2849Loyalty and 50truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by 51righteousness.29The glory of young men is their strength, And the 5253honor of old men is their gray hair.3054Stripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes reach the 55innermost parts.