Proverbs 20:1-30 WEB

[1] Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise. [2] The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. [3] It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling. [4] The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing. [5] Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. [6] Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man? [7] A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him. [8] A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his eyes. [9] Who can say, “I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin?” [10] Differing weights and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. [11] Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right. [12] The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Yahweh has made even both of them. [13] Don’t love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread. [14] “It’s no good, it’s no good,” says the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasts. [15] There is gold and abundance of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel. [16] Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman. [17] Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel. [18] Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war! [19] He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips. [20] Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness. [21] An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning won’t be blessed in the end. [22] Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you. [23] Yahweh detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing. [24] A man’s steps are from Yahweh; how then can man understand his way? [25] It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, then later to consider his vows. [26] A wise king winnows out the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them. [27] The spirit of man is Yahweh’s lamp, searching all his innermost parts. [28] Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love. [29] The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair. [30] Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost parts.