Proverbs 20:1-22

20 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
²    A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion;
he who angers him forfeits his life.
³    It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.
⁴    A sluggard does not plow in season;
so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.
⁵    The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters,
but a man of understanding draws them out.
⁶    Many a man claims to have unfailing love,
but a faithful man who can find?
⁷    The righteous man leads a blameless life;
blessed are his children after him.
⁸    When a king sits on his throne to judge,
he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
⁹    Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
I am clean and without sin”?
¹⁰   Differing weights and differing measures—
the Lord detests them both.
¹¹   Even a child is known by his actions,
by whether his conduct is pure and right.
¹²   Ears that hear and eyes that see—
the Lord has made them both.
¹³   Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
stay awake and you will have food to spare.
¹⁴   “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer;
then off he goes and boasts about his purchase.
¹⁵   Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
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.
¹⁷   Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man,
but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
¹⁸   Make plans by seeking advice;
if you wage war, obtain guidance.
¹⁹   A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid a man who talks too much.
²⁰   If a man curses his father or mother,
his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
²¹   An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning
will not be blessed at the end.
²²   Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”
Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.