NETtext - Proverbs - 20

20:1  Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; whoever goes astray by them is not wise.

20:2  The king's terrifying anger is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him sins against himself.

20:3  It is an honor for a person to cease from strife, but every fool quarrels.

20:4  The sluggard will not plow during the planting season, so at harvest time he looks for the crop but has nothing.

20:5  Counsel in a person's heart is like deep water, but an understanding person draws it out.

20:6  Many people profess their loyalty, but a faithful person - who can find?

20:7  The righteous person behaves in integrity; blessed are his children after him.

20:8  A king sitting on the throne to judge separates out all evil with his eyes.

20:9  Who can say, "I have kept my heart clean; I am pure from my sin"?

20:10  Diverse weights and diverse measures - the LORD abhors both of them.

20:11  Even a young man is known by his actions, whether his activity is pure and whether it is right.

20:12  The ear that hears and the eye that sees - the LORD has made them both.

20:13  Do not love sleep, lest you become impoverished; open your eyes so that you might be satisfied with food.

20:14  "It's worthless! It's worthless!" says the buyer, but when he goes on his way, he boasts.

20:15  There is gold, and an abundance of rubies, but words of knowledge are like a precious jewel.

20:16  Take a man's garment when he has given security for a stranger, and when he gives surety for strangers, hold him in pledge.

20:17  Bread gained by deceit tastes sweet to a person, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

20:18  Plans are established by counsel, so make war with guidance.

20:19  The one who goes about gossiping reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with someone who is always opening his mouth.

20:20  The one who curses his father and his mother, his lamp will be extinguished in the blackest darkness.

20:21  An inheritance gained easily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.

20:22  Do not say, "I will pay back evil!" Wait for the Lord, so that he may vindicate you.

20:23  The LORD abhors differing weights, and dishonest scales are wicked.

20:24  The steps of a person are ordained by the LORD - so how can anyone understand his own way?

20:25  It is a snare for a person to rashly cry, "Holy!" and only afterward to consider what he has vowed.

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

20:27  The human spirit is like the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.

20:28  Loyal love and truth preserve a king, and his throne is upheld by loyal love.

20:29  The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair.

20:30  Beatings and wounds cleanse away evil, and floggings cleanse the innermost being.