Proverbs 20

1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is boisterous, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

2The terror of a king is like the growling of a young lion; whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.

3It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife, but every fool bursts out in quarrel.

4Because of winter, the lazy man does not plow; at harvest he asks, and there is nothing.

5Counsel in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out.

6Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a faithful man?

7A righteous man walks in his integrity; blessed are his children after him.

8A king sitting on a throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes.

9Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”?

10A differing weight and a differing measure—both of them are an abomination to Yahweh.

11Even a youth is known by his deeds—whether his conduct is pure and upright.

12The hearing ear and the seeing eye—Yahweh made both of them.

13Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; open your eyes and have your fill of bread.

14“No good, no good,” says the buyer, but after he leaves, he boasts.

15There is gold and an abundance of precious stones, but knowledgeable lips are a precious vessel.

16Take his garment, for he has guaranteed a stranger’s debt; take it as security for a foreign woman.

17Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

18Plans are established by counsel; wage war with strategy.

19One who goes about gossiping reveals secrets; do not associate with one who talks too freely.

20Whoever curses his father or mother—his lamp will go out in deepest darkness.

21An inheritance gained hastily at first will not be blessed in the end.

22Do not say, “I will repay evil.” Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.

23Unequal weights are an abomination to Yahweh, and deceitful scales are not good.

24A man's steps are from Yahweh; how then can a man understand his way?

25It is a snare for a man to rashly dedicate something as holy, and only afterward to consider his vows.

26A wise king winnows the wicked and drives the wheel over them.

27The spirit of man is Yahweh's lamp, searching every inner chamber.

28Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve a king, and he upholds his throne by steadfast love.

29The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair.

30Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings cleanse the innermost chambers of the belly.