Proverbs 20:24-30

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

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.^{[c] [d]}

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.^[e]

30 Lashes and wounds purge away evil, and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.^[f]

Footnotes

• [a]. Pr 16:9,33; 19:21
• [b]. Nm 30:2; Dt 23:21; Ec 5:4-6
• [c]. Lit the chambers of the belly
• [d]. Pr 20:30; Ps 139:23
• [e]. Pr 16:31; Lv 19:32
• [f]. Lit beatings the chambers of the belly