Proverbs 20

Wine Is a Mocker

1 Wine a mocker, beer a brawler, whoever led astray by it is not wise.

2 The fear of a king like the roar of a lion, mess with him, you risk your life.

3 It is honorable to avoid a fight, but every fool quick to start one.

4 The lazy will not plow in season, so when harvest comes, he begging and empty.

5 A man’s purpose deep water, but a person of understanding draws it out.

6 Many claim loyalty, but who can find someone truly faithful,

7 The righteous walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them.

8 A king sitting on his throne of judgment separates all evil with his eyes.

9 Who can say, “I kept my heart clean; I am pure from sin”,

10 The Lord hates dishonest weights and unequal measures.

11 Even a child known by his actions, if what he does pure and right.

12 Ears that hear and eyes that see, the Lord made them both.

13 Do not love sleep or you will get broke; stay awake and you will have food.

14 “Bad deal, bad deal,” says the buyer, then brags once he walks away.

15 Gold there, jewels plenty, but wise lips more valuable.

16 Take the garment of one who guarantees a stranger’s debt; hold it as security.

17 Food gained by trickery tastes sweet, but later fills your mouth with gravel.

18 Plans succeed through advice; wage war with wise counsel.

19 A gossip spills secrets; do not hang with those who run their mouths.

20 Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp goes out in darkness.

21 An inheritance grabbed too soon will not be blessed in the end.

22 Do not say, “I will get revenge!”, wait on the Lord, He will handle it.

23 The Lord hates dishonest scales; double standards not right.

24 A person’s steps come from the Lord, how can anyone understand his own way,

25 It is a trap to make rash vows to God and think later.

26 A wise king separates the wicked and runs the threshing wheel over them.

27 The spirit of a man like a lamp of the Lord, searching his inner parts.

28 Love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne upheld by loyalty.

29 The glory of young men their strength, gray hair the honor of the old.

30 Bruising and blows cleanse away evil, as pain purifies the heart.