Proverbs 20:1-6

On Life and Conduct

1 ¹Wine is a mocker, ²strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger ³forfeits his own life.

3 ⁴Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.

4 The ⁵sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.

5 A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out.

6 Many a man ⁶proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a ⁷trustworthy man?

Cross References

• 1. Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 23:29, 30; Isaiah 28:7; Hosea 4:11
• 2. Proverbs 31:4; Isaiah 5:22; Isaiah 56:12
• 3. Numbers 16:38; 1 Kings 2:23; Proverbs 8:36; Habakkuk 2:10
• 4. Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:14
• 5. Proverbs 13:4; Proverbs 21:25
• 6. Proverbs 25:14; Matthew 6:2; Luke 18:11
• 7. Psalms 12:1; Luke 18:8

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "errs"
• [b] Lit "sins against"
• [c] Lit "Ceasing"
• [d] Lit "burst out"
• [e] Lit "asks"