Proverbs 20:1-30 VOICE

[1] Too much wine begins to mock you, too much strong drink leads to noisy fights, and whoever is misled by either is not wise. [2] A king's wrath strikes fear like a lion's roar; those who provoke him to anger sentence themselves to death. [3] Honor is due those who refuse to fight at the drop of a hat, but every fool jumps at an opportunity to quarrel. [4] A slacker procrastinates when it is time to plow; so when it's time for harvest, there are no crops in the field. [5] The real motives come from deep within a person-as from deep waters- but a discerning person is able to draw them up and expose them. [6] Most people claim to be loyal, but can anyone find a trustworthy person? [7] The right-living act with integrity; the children who follow their example are happy. [8] When a king sits on his throne as judge, he ferrets out all evil and scatters it with his royal stare. [9] Who can say, "I have cleaned my heart"? or who can proclaim, "I am purified from sin"? [10] False weights and differing measures are alike: both are disgusting to the Eternal. [11] Youth reveal their true natures by their actions whether they do what is pure and right or not. [12] Ears to listen, eyes to see- the Eternal designed them both. [13] Do not fall in love with sleep, or you will awake a poor person. Stay awake, get to work, and you will have more than enough food. [14] "Bad quality for a bad price," bargains the buyer; but then he runs off with his prize in tow, bragging, "What a steal!" [15] Gold and rubies abound, but lips that utter knowledge are a rare jewel. [16] If someone guarantees a stranger's debt, hold his garment as collateral; if that stranger is a foreigner, hold the creditor responsible. [17] At first the bread of lies tastes sweet until guilt reduces it to gravel in the mouth. [18] Plans are finalized on the basis of good counsel, so only go to war when you have wise instructions. [19] A gossip will reveal your secrets! So avoid the company of people who talk openly and foolishly. [20] If someone pronounces a curse on his parents, the lamp of his life will be snuffed out as complete darkness creeps in. [21] An inheritance acquired hastily at first will end up not being blessed after all. [22] Do not say, "I will get even for this evil." Wait for the Eternal; He will defend you. [23] He despises dishonesty in business; false weights and deceptive scales are wrong. [24] Every one of our steps is directed by Him; so how can we attempt to figure out our own way? [25] Those who rashly dedicate something to God are trapped; only afterward do they realize what they've promised. [26] A wise king weeds out the wrongdoers, then drives over them with his threshing wheel of justice. [27] The lamp of the Eternal illuminates the human spirit, searching our most intimate thoughts. [28] Loyal love and faithfulness safeguard the king; his throne is perpetuated through loyal love. [29] The best asset of youth is the strength of the body, but the beauty of age is gray hair. [30] Severe punishment scrubs away evil, and tough blows scour the innermost parts.