Proverbs 20:1-30 NASB

[1] Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. [2] The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion; One who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. [3] Avoiding strife is an honor for a person, But any fool will quarrel. [4] The lazy one does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing. [5] A plan in the heart of a person is like deep water, But a person of understanding draws it out. [6] Many a person proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy person? [7] A righteous person who walks in his integrity—How blessed are his sons after him. [8] A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes. [9] Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”? [10] Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to the Lord. [11] It is by his deeds that a boy distinguishes himself, If his conduct is pure and right. [12] The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made both of them. [13] Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food. [14] “Bad, bad,” says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts. [15] There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But lips of knowledge are a more precious thing. [16] Take his garment when he becomes guarantor for a stranger; And for foreigners, seize a pledge from him. [17] Bread obtained by a lie is sweet to a person, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. [18] Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance. [19] One who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with a gossip. [20] He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness. [21] An inheritance gained in a hurry at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end. [22] Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you. [23] Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, And a false scale is not good. [24] A man’s steps are ordained by the Lord; How then can a person understand his way? [25] It is a trap for a person to say carelessly, “It is holy!” And after the vows to make inquiry. [26] A wise king scatters the wicked, And drives a threshing wheel over them. [27] The spirit of a person is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the innermost parts of his being. [28] Loyalty and truth watch over the king, And he upholds his throne by loyalty. [29] The glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of old men is their gray hair. [30] Bruising wounds clean away evil, And blows cleanse the innermost parts.