Proverbs 20

  1. Verse 1. Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
  2. Verse 2. The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.
  3. Verse 3. It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.
  4. Verse 4. The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.
  5. Verse 5. The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
  6. Verse 6. Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?
  7. Verse 7. The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.
  8. Verse 8. A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes.
  9. Verse 9. Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?
  10. Verse 10. Differing weights and unequal measures— both are detestable to the LORD.
  11. Verse 11. Even a young man is known by his actions— whether his conduct is pure and upright.
  12. Verse 12. Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.
  13. Verse 13. Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food.
  14. Verse 14. “Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats.
  15. Verse 15. There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.
  16. Verse 16. Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.
  17. Verse 17. Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel.
  18. Verse 18. Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.
  19. Verse 19. He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.
  20. Verse 20. Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.
  21. Verse 21. An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end.
  22. Verse 22. Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
  23. Verse 23. Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good.
  24. Verse 24. A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way?
  25. Verse 25. It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.
  26. Verse 26. A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them.
  27. Verse 27. The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being.
  28. Verse 28. Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.
  29. Verse 29. The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old.
  30. Verse 30. Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts.