Proverbs 20
New International Version - Proverbs 20 << | >> 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 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.