Proverbs 20:1-30 NET

[1] Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; whoever goes astray by them is not wise. [2] The king's terrifying anger is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him sins against himself. [3] It is an honor for a person to cease from strife, but every fool quarrels. [4] The sluggard will not plow during the planting season, so at harvest time he asks for grain but has nothing. [5] Counsel in a person's heart is like deep water, but an understanding person draws it out. [6] Many people profess their loyalty, but a faithful person-who can find? [7] The righteous person behaves in integrity; blessed are his children after him. [8] A king sitting on the throne to judge separates out all evil with his eyes. [9] Who can say, "I have kept my heart clean; I am pure from my sin"? [10] Diverse weights and diverse measures-the LORD abhors both of them. [11] Even a young man is known by his actions, whether his activity is pure and whether it is right. [12] The ear that hears and the eye that sees-the LORD has made them both. [13] Do not love sleep, lest you become impoverished; open your eyes so that you might be satisfied with food. [14] "It's worthless! It's worthless!" says the buyer, but when he goes on his way, he boasts. [15] There is gold, and an abundance of rubies, but words of knowledge are like a precious jewel. [16] Take a man's garment when he has given security for a stranger, and hold him in pledge on behalf of strangers. [17] Bread gained by deceit tastes sweet to a person, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. [18] Plans are established by counsel, so make war with guidance. [19] The one who goes about gossiping reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with someone who is always opening his mouth. [20] The one who curses his father and his mother, his lamp will be extinguished in the blackest darkness. [21] An inheritance gained easily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end. [22] Do not say, "I will pay back evil!" Wait for the LORD, so that he may vindicate you. [23] The LORD abhors differing weights, and dishonest scales are wicked. [24] The steps of a person are ordained by the LORD-so how can anyone understand his own way? [25] It is a snare for a person to rashly cry, "Holy!" and only afterward to consider what he has vowed. [26] A wise king separates out the wicked; he turns the threshing wheel over them. [27] The human spirit is like the lamp of the LORD, searching all his innermost parts. [28] Loyal love and truth preserve a king, and his throne is upheld by loyal love. [29] The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair. [30] Beatings and wounds cleanse away evil, and floggings cleanse the innermost being.