Proverbs 20:11-21

11 Even a young man is known by his actions- by whether his behavior is pure and upright.^[a]

12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye- the Lord made them both.^[b]

13 Don't love sleep, or you will become poor; open your eyes, and you'll have enough to eat.^[c]

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.^[d]

16 Take his garment,^[e] for he has put up security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for foreigners.^[f]

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.^[g]

19 The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth.^[h]

20 Whoever curses his father or mother- his lamp will go out in deep darkness.^[i]

21 An inheritance gained prematurely will not be blessed ultimately.^[j]

Footnotes

• [a] Pr 21:8
• [b] Pr 22:2; 29:13
• [c] Pr 6:10-11; 24:33-34
• [d] Pr 3:15; 8:11
• [e] A debtor's outer garment held as collateral; Dt 24:12-13,17; Jb 22:6
• [f] Pr 6:1-5; 11:15; 27:13
• [g] Pr 11:14; 15:22; 24:6
• [h] Pr 11:13; Lv 19:16
• [i] Pr 24:20; Ex 21:17
• [j] Pr 21:5; 23:5; 28:22