Proverbs 20

¹Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler,

²The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion;

³It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute,

⁴The slacker does not plow in season;

⁵The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters,

⁶Many a man proclaims his loving devotion,

⁷The righteous man walks with integrity;

⁸A king who sits on a throne to judge

⁹Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;

¹⁰Differing weights and unequal measures 20:10 Hebrew A stone and a stone, an ephah and an ephah—

¹¹Even a young man is known by his actions—

¹²Ears that hear and eyes that see—

¹³Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor;

¹⁴“Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer,

¹⁵There is an abundance of gold and rubies,

¹⁶Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger;

¹⁷Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man,

¹⁸Set plans by consultation,

¹⁹He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip;

²⁰Whoever curses his father or mother,

²¹An inheritance gained quickly

²²Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!”

²³Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD,

²⁴A man’s steps are from the LORD,

²⁵It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly,

²⁶A wise king separates out the wicked

²⁷The spirit 20:27 Or breath or speech of a man is the lamp of the LORD,

²⁸Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king;

²⁹The glory of young men is their strength,

³⁰Lashes and wounds scour evil,