Proverbs 20:17-27

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.^[a]

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

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

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

22 Don't say, "I will avenge this evil!" Wait on the Lord, and He will rescue you.^[e]

23 Differing weights^[f] are detestable to the Lord, and dishonest scales are unfair.^[g]

24 A man's steps are determined by the Lord,^[h] 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.^[i]

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.^{[j] [k]}

Footnotes

• [a] Pr 11:14; 15:22; 24:6
• [b] Pr 11:13; Lv 19:16
• [c] Pr 24:20; Ex 21:17
• [d] Pr 21:5; 23:5; 28:22
• [e] Ps 37:7-9
• [f] Lit A stone and a stone
• [g] Pr 11:1; 20:10; Mc 6:11
• [h] Pr 16:9,33; 19:21
• [i] Nm 30:2; Dt 23:21; Ec 5:4-6
• [j] Lit the chambers of the belly
• [k] Pr 20:30; Ps 139:23