Proverbs 20:1-30 TLB

[1] Wine gives false courage; hard liquor leads to brawls; what fools men are to let it master them, making them reel drunkenly down the street! [2] The king's fury is like that of a roaring lion; to rouse his anger is to risk your life. [3] It is an honor for a man to stay out of a fight. Only fools insist on quarreling. [4] If you won't plow in the cold, you won't eat at the harvest. [5] Though good advice lies deep within a counselor's heart, the wise man will draw it out. [6] Most people will tell you what loyal friends they are, but are they telling the truth? [7] It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest father. [8] A king sitting as judge weighs all the evidence carefully, distinguishing the true from false. [9] Who can ever say, "I have cleansed my heart; I am sinless"? [10] The Lord despises every kind of cheating. [11] The character of even a child can be known by the way he acts-whether what he does is pure and right. [12] If you have good eyesight and good hearing, thank God who gave them to you. [13] If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Stay awake, work hard, and there will be plenty to eat! [14] "Utterly worthless!" says the buyer as he haggles over the price. But afterwards he brags about his bargain! [15] Good sense is far more valuable than gold or precious jewels. [16] It is risky to make loans to strangers! [17] Some men enjoy cheating, but the cake they buy with such ill-gotten gain will turn to gravel in their mouths. [18] Don't go ahead with your plans without the advice of others; don't go to war until they agree. [19] Don't tell your secrets to a gossip unless you want them broadcast to the world. [20] God puts out the light of the man who curses his father or mother. [21] Quick wealth is not a blessing in the end. [22] Don't repay evil for evil. Wait for the Lord to handle the matter. [23] The Lord loathes all cheating and dishonesty. [24] Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way? [25] It is foolish and rash to make a promise to the Lord before counting the cost. [26] A wise king stamps out crime by severe punishment. [27] A man's conscience is the Lord's searchlight exposing his hidden motives. [28] If a king is kind, honest, and fair, his kingdom stands secure. [29] The glory of young men is their strength; of old men, their experience. [30] Punishment that hurts chases evil from the heart.