Proverbs 20:1-30 GW

[1] Wine makes people mock, liquor makes them noisy, and everyone under their influence is unwise. [2] The rage of a king is like the roar of a lion. Whoever makes him angry forfeits his life. [3] Avoiding a quarrel is honorable. After all, any stubborn fool can start a fight. [4] A lazy person does not plow in the fall. He looks for something in the harvest but finds nothing. [5] A motive in the human heart is like deep water, and a person who has understanding draws it out. [6] Many people declare themselves loyal, but who can find someone who is really trustworthy? [7] A righteous person lives on the basis of his integrity. Blessed are his children after he is gone. [8] A king who sits on his throne to judge sifts out every evil with his eyes. [9] Who can say, "I've made my heart pure. I'm cleansed from my sin"? [10] A double standard of weights and measures- both are disgusting to the LORD. [11] Even a child makes himself known by his actions, whether his deeds are pure or right. [12] The ear that hears, the eye that sees- the LORD made them both. [13] Do not love sleep or you will end up poor. Keep your eyes open, and you will have plenty to eat. [14] "Bad! Bad!" says the buyer. Then, as he goes away, he brags about his bargain. [15] There are gold and plenty of jewels, but the lips of knowledge are precious gems. [16] Hold on to the garment of one who guarantees a stranger's loan, and hold responsible the person who makes a loan on behalf of a foreigner. [17] Food gained dishonestly tastes sweet to a person, but afterwards his mouth will be filled with gravel. [18] Plans are confirmed by getting advice, and with guidance one wages war. [19] Whoever goes around as a gossip tells secrets. Do not associate with a person whose mouth is always open. [20] The lamp of the person who curses his father and mother will be snuffed out in total darkness. [21] An inheritance quickly obtained in the beginning will never be blessed in the end. [22] Do not say, "I'll get even with you!" Wait for the LORD, and he will save you. [23] A double standard of weights is disgusting to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good. [24] The LORD is the one who directs a person's steps. How then can anyone understand his own way? [25] It is a trap for a person to say impulsively, "This is a holy offering!" and later to have second thoughts about those vows. [26] A wise king scatters the wicked and then runs them over. [27] A person's soul is the LORD's lamp. It searches his entire innermost being. [28] Mercy and truth protect a king, and with mercy he maintains his throne. [29] While the glory of young men is their strength, the splendor of older people is their silver hair. [30] Brutal beatings cleanse away wickedness. Such beatings cleanse the innermost being.