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 is like the roar of a lion; he who angers him forfeits his life.

20:3 It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

20:4 A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.

20:5 The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.

20:6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?

20:7 The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.

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 a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.

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 off he goes and boasts about his 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 he does it for a wayward woman.

20:17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.

20:18 Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.

20:19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.

20:20 If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

20:21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning 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 deliver you.

20:23 The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.

20:24 A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?

20:25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.

20:26 A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.

20:27 The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being.

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 cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.