Proverbs 20 / 31
- 1Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
- 2A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion; he who angers him forfeits his life.
- 3It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
- 4A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.
- 5The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
- 6Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?
- 7The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.
- 8When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
- 9Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"?
- 10Differing weights and differing measures- the LORD detests them both.
- 11Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.
- 12Ears that hear and eyes that see- the LORD has made them both.
- 13Do 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.
- 15Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
- 16Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.
- 17Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
- 18Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.
- 19A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.
- 20If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
- 21An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.
- 22Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD , and he will deliver you.
- 23The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
- 24A man's steps are directed by the LORD . How then can anyone understand his own way?
- 25It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.
- 26A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.
- 27The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man ; it searches out his inmost being.
- 28Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.
- 29The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.
- 30Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.