20:1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
20:2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.
20:3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
20:4 Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
20:5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.
20:6 Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?
20:7 The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
20:8 When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
20:9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?
20:10 Differing weights and differing measures - the Lord detests them both.
20:11 Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?
20:12 Ears that hear and eyes that see - the Lord has made them both.
20:13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.
20:14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer - then goes off and boasts about the purchase.
20:15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
20:16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
20:17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
20:18 Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
20:19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
20:20 If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
20:21 An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.
20:22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.
20:23 The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
20:24 A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?
20:25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.
20:26 A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.
20:27 The human spirit is* the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being. / *Or A person’s words are
20:28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.
20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.
20:30 Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.