Proverbs 20 (New International Version)

1 Wine¹ is a mocker² and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray³ by them is not wise.⁴ 2 A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion;⁵ he who angers him forfeits his life.⁶ 3 It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool⁷ is quick to quarrel.⁸ 4 A sluggard⁹ does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.¹⁰ 5 The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters,¹¹ but a man of understanding draws them out. 6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?¹² 7 The righteous man leads a blameless life;¹³ blessed are his children after him.¹⁴ 8 When a king sits on his throne to judge,¹⁵ he winnows out all evil with his eyes.¹⁶ 9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure;¹⁷ I am clean and without sin"?¹⁸ 10 Differing weights and differing measures-- the LORD detests them both.¹⁹ 11 Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure²⁰ and right. 12 Ears that hear and eyes that see-- the LORD has made them both.²¹ 13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;²² stay awake and you will have food to spare. 14 "It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase. 15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. 16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge²³ if he does it for a wayward woman.²⁴ 17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man,²⁵ but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.²⁶ 18 Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.²⁷ 19 A gossip betrays a confidence;²⁸ so avoid a man who talks too much. 20 If a man curses his father or mother,²⁹ his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.³⁰ 21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end. 22 Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!"³¹ Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.³² 23 The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.³³ 24 A man's steps are directed³⁴ by the LORD.³⁵ How then can anyone understand his own way?³⁶ 25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.³⁷ 26 A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.³⁸ 27 The lamp of the LORD³⁹ searches the spirit of a man^a; it searches out his inmost being.⁴⁰ 28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love⁴¹ his throne is made secure.⁴² 29 The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.⁴³ 30 Blows and wounds cleanse⁴⁴ away evil, and beatings⁴⁵ purge the inmost being.