20:1 Wine1 is a mocker2 and strong drink is a brawler;
whoever goes astray by them is not wise.3
20:2 The king’s terrifying anger4 is like the roar of a lion;
whoever provokes him5 sins against himself.6
20:3 It is an honor for a person7 to cease8 from strife,
but every fool quarrels.9
20:4 The sluggard will not plow10 during the planting season,11
so at the harvest time he looks12 for the crop13 but has nothing.
20:5 Counsel14 in a person’s heart15 is like16 deep water,17
but an understanding person18 draws it out.
20:6 Many people profess their loyalty,19
but a faithful person20—who can find?21
20:7 The righteous person22 behaves in integrity;23
blessed are his children after him.24
20:8 A king sitting on the throne to judge25
separates out26 all evil with his eyes.27
20:9 Who can say,28 “I have kept my heart clean;29
I am pure30 from my sin”?
20:10 Diverse weights and diverse measures31—
the Lord abhors32 both of them.
20:11 Even a young man33 is known34 by his actions,
whether his activity is pure and whether it is right.35
20:12 The ear that hears and the eye that sees36—
the Lord has made them both.37
20:13 Do not love sleep,38 lest you become impoverished;
open your eyes so that39 you might be satisfied with food.40
20:14 “It’s worthless! It’s worthless!”41 says the buyer,42
but when he goes on his way, he boasts.43
20:15 There is gold, and an abundance of rubies,
but44 words of knowledge45 are like46 a precious jewel.
20:16 Take a man’s47 garment48 when he has given security for a stranger,49
and when he gives surety for strangers,50 hold him51 in pledge.
20:17 Bread gained by deceit52 is sweet to a person,53
but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.54
20:18 Plans55 are established by counsel,
so56 make war57 with guidance.
20:19 The one who goes about gossiping58 reveals secrets;
therefore do not associate59 with one who is always opening his mouth.60
20:20 The one who curses61 his father and his mother,
his lamp62 will be put out in the blackest63 darkness.
20:21 An inheritance gained easily64 in the beginning
will not be blessed65 in its end.
20:22 Do not say,66 “I will pay back67 evil!”
Wait68 for the Lord, so that he may vindicate you.69
20:23 The Lord abhors70 differing weights,
and dishonest scales are wicked.71
20:24 The steps of a person72 are ordained by73 the Lord—
so how can anyone74 understand his own75 way?
20:25 It is a snare76 for a person77 to rashly cry,78 “Holy!”
and only afterward to consider79 what he has vowed.80
20:26 A wise king separates out81 the wicked;
he turns the threshing wheel over them.82
20:27 The human spirit83 is like84 the lamp85 of the Lord,
searching all the innermost parts.86
20:28 Loyal love and truth87 preserve a king,
and his throne is upheld by loyal love.88
20:29 The glory89 of young men is their strength,
and the splendor90 of old men is gray hair.91
20:30 Beatings and wounds cleanse away92 evil,
and floggings cleanse93 the innermost being.94