Proverbs 20:14-30

14 "It's worthless, it's worthless!" the buyer says, but after he is on his way, he gloats.
15 There is gold and a multitude of jewels, but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure.[a]
16 Take his garment,[b] for he has put up security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for foreigners.[c]
17 Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is full of gravel.
18 Finalize plans through counsel, and wage war with sound guidance.[d]
19 The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth.[e]
20 Whoever curses his father or mother- his lamp will go out in deep darkness.[f]
21 An inheritance gained prematurely will not be blessed ultimately.[g]
22 Don't say, "I will avenge this evil!" Wait on the Lord, and He will rescue you.[h]
23 Differing weights[i] are detestable to the Lord, and dishonest scales are unfair.[j]
24 A man's steps are determined by the Lord,[k] so how can anyone understand his own way?
25 It is a trap for anyone to dedicate something rashly and later to reconsider his vows.[l]
26 A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 A person's breath is the lamp of the Lord, searching the innermost parts.[m] [n]
28 Loyalty and faithfulness deliver a king; through loyalty he maintains his throne.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair.[o]
30 Lashes and wounds purge away evil, and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.[p]

Footnotes 16

  • [a]. Pr 3:15; 8:11
  • [b]. A debtor's outer garment held as collateral; Dt 24:12-13,17; Jb 22:6
  • [c]. Pr 6:1-5; 11:15; 27:13
  • [d]. Pr 11:14; 15:22; 24:6
  • [e]. Pr 11:13; Lv 19:16
  • [f]. Pr 24:20; Ex 21:17
  • [g]. Pr 21:5; 23:5; 28:22
  • [h]. Ps 37:7-9
  • [i]. Lit A stone and a stone
  • [j]. Pr 11:1; 20:10; Mc 6:11
  • [k]. Pr 16:9,33; 19:21
  • [l]. Nm 30:2; Dt 23:21; Ec 5:4-6
  • [m]. Lit the chambers of the belly
  • [n]. Pr 20:30; Ps 139:23
  • [o]. Pr 16:31; Lv 19:32
  • [p]. Lit beatings the chambers of the belly
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