Proverbs 20:1-16

¹Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; whoever is led astray by drink is not wise.

²The fear of a king is like the fear of a young lion that is roaring; the one who makes him angry forfeits his life.

³It is an honor for anyone to avoid conflict, but every fool jumps into an argument.

⁴The lazy person does not plow in autumn; he seeks a crop at harvest time but will have nothing.

⁵The purpose in a human heart is like deep water, but someone with understanding will draw it out.

⁶Many a person proclaims he is loyal, but who can find one who is faithful?

⁷The righteous person walks in his integrity, and his sons who follow after him will be blessed.

⁸A king who sits on the throne performing the duties of a judge is winnowing with his eyes all the evil that is before him.

⁹Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”?

¹⁰Differing weights and unequal measures— Yahweh hates them both.

¹¹Even a youth is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.

¹²Ears that hear and eyes that see— Yahweh made them both.

¹³Do not love sleep or you will come to poverty; open your eyes and you will have plenty to eat.

¹⁴“Bad! Bad!” says the buyer, but when he goes away he boasts.

¹⁵There is gold and an abundance of costly stones, but lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

¹⁶Take a garment of one who has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an immoral woman.