Proverbs 20:1-30 AMP

[1] Wine is a mocker, strong drink a riotous brawler; And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. [2] The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. [3] It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife [by handling situations with thoughtful foresight], But any fool will [start a] quarrel [without regard for the consequences]. [4] The lazy man does not plow when the winter [planting] season arrives; So he begs at the [next] harvest and has nothing [to reap]. [5] A plan (motive, wise counsel) in the heart of a man is like water in a deep well, But a man of understanding draws it out. [6] Many a man proclaims his own loyalty and goodness, But who can find a faithful and trustworthy man? [7] The righteous man who walks in integrity and lives life in accord with his [godly] beliefs—How blessed [happy and spiritually secure] are his children after him [who have his example to follow]. [8] A [discerning] king who sits on the throne of judgment Sifts all evil [like chaff] with his eyes [and cannot be easily fooled]. [9] Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin?” [10] Differing weights [one for buying and another for selling] and differing measures, Both of them are detestable and offensive to the LORD. [11] Even a boy is known and distinguished by his acts, Whether his conduct is pure and right. [12] The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The [omnipotent] LORD has made both of them. [13] Do not love [excessive] sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes [so that you can do your work] and you will be satisfied with bread. [14] “It is [almost] worthless, it is [almost] worthless,” says the buyer [as he negotiates the price]; But when he goes his way, then he boasts [about his bargain]. [15] There is gold, and an abundance of pearls, But the lips of knowledge are a vessel of preciousness [the most precious of all]. [16] [The judge tells the creditor], “Take the clothes of one who is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge [when he guarantees a loan] for foreigners.” [17] Food gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel [just as sin may be sweet at first, but later its consequences bring despair]. [18] Plans are established by counsel; So make war [only] with wise guidance. [19] He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with a gossip [who talks freely or flatters]. [20] Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp [of life] will be extinguished in time of darkness. [21] An inheritance hastily gained [by greedy, unjust means] at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end. [22] Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait [expectantly] for the LORD, and He will rescue and save you. [23] Differing weights are detestable and offensive to the LORD, And fraudulent scales are not good. [24] Man’s steps are ordered and ordained by the LORD. How then can a man [fully] understand his way? [25] It is a trap for a man to [speak a vow of consecration and] say rashly, “It is holy!” And [not until] afterward consider [whether he can fulfill it]. [26] A wise king sifts out the wicked [from among the good] And drives the [threshing] wheel over them [to separate the chaff from the grain]. [27] The spirit (conscience) of man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching and examining all the innermost parts of his being. [28] Loyalty and mercy, truth and faithfulness, protect the king, And he upholds his throne by lovingkindness. [29] The glory of young men is their [physical] strength, And the honor of aged men is their gray head [representing wisdom and experience]. [30] Blows that wound cleanse away evil, And strokes reach to the innermost parts.