20:1  Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

20:2  The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.

20:3  Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.

20:4  The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.

20:5  A plan in the heart of a man is {like} deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out.

20:6  Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man?

20:7  A righteous man who walks in his integrity-- How blessed are his sons after him.

20:8  A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes.

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

20:10  Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to the LORD.

20:11  It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right.

20:12  The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The LORD has made both of them.

20:13  Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, {and} you will be satisfied with food.

20:14  "Bad, bad, says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts."

20:15  There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.

20:16  Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger; And for foreigners, hold him in pledge.

20:17  Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

20:18  Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance.

20:19  He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip.

20:20  He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness.

20:21  An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end.

20:22  Do not say, "I will repay evil; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you."

20:23  Differing weights are an abomination to the LORD, And a false scale is not good.

20:24  Man's steps are {ordained} by the LORD, How then can man understand his way?

20:25  It is a trap for a man to say rashly, "It is holy! And after the vows to make inquiry."

20:26  A wise king winnows the wicked, And drives the {threshing} wheel over them.

20:27  The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the innermost parts of his being.

20:28  Loyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by righteousness.

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

20:30  Stripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes {reach} the innermost parts.