Proverbs 20

1 Wine is unruly, and drunkenness is violent; no one who mixes with it will be wise.

2 A king’s threat is no different from a lion’s rage, and whoever provokes him sins against his own soul.

3 It is glory for a person to turn away from abuse, but every fool becomes entangled in such things.

4 A lazy person who is reproached feels no shame; the same is true of someone who borrows grain at harvest.

5 Counsel in a person’s heart is deep water, but a discerning person will draw it out.

6 A human being is a great thing, and a merciful person is precious, but finding a faithful person is difficult.

7 Whoever conducts himself blamelessly in righteousness will leave blessed children behind.

8 Whenever a righteous king sits on the throne, no evil can stand before his eyes.

9 Who will boast of having a pure heart? Who will boldly claim to be clean from sins?

10 A large weight and a small one, and two different measures—both are unclean before the Lord.

11 Whoever makes them will be hindered in his pursuits. A young man in the company of a holy person has a straight path.

12 The ear hears and the eye sees; both are works of the Lord.

13 Do not love slander, or you may be cut off. Open your eyes and be filled with bread.

20 The lamp of whoever curses father or mother will be extinguished, and the pupils of his eyes will see darkness.

21 A portion acquired hastily at first will not be blessed in the end.

22 Do not say, “I will punish my enemy.” Wait for the Lord so that he may help you.

23 A double weight is a detestable thing to the Lord, and a deceitful scale is not good before him.

24 A person’s steps are directed by the Lord, so how can a mortal understand his own ways?

25 It is a snare for someone to dedicate his possessions hastily, because regret comes after making the vow.

26 A wise king winnows the ungodly and drives a wheel over them.

27 Human breath is the Lord’s light; he searches the innermost chambers of the body.

28 Acts of mercy and truth guard a king, and they will surround his throne with righteousness.

29 Wisdom is an ornament for young men, and gray hair is the glory of the elderly.

30 Bruises and broken bones meet evil people, and blows reach the innermost chambers of the body.