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NIV

Proverbs 20

  1. 1<pb/><t>Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;</t> <t>whoever is led astray by them is not wise. <pb/></t>
  2. 2<t>A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;</t> <t>those who anger him forfeit their lives. <pb/></t>
  3. 3<t>It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,</t> <t>but every fool is quick to quarrel. <pb/></t>
  4. 4<t>Sluggards do not plow in season;</t> <t>so at harvest time they look but find nothing. <pb/></t>
  5. 5<t>The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,</t> <t>but one who has insight draws them out. <pb/></t>
  6. 6<t>Many claim to have unfailing love,</t> <t>but a faithful person who can find? <pb/></t>
  7. 7<t>The righteous lead blameless lives;</t> <t>blessed are their children after them. <pb/></t>
  8. 8<t>When a king sits on his throne to judge,</t> <t>he winnows out all evil with his eyes. <pb/></t>
  9. 9<t>Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;</t> <t>I am clean and without sin”? <pb/></t>
  10. 10<t>Differing weights and differing measures—</t> <t>the LORD detests them both. <pb/></t>
  11. 11<t>Even small children are known by their actions,</t> <t>so is their conduct really pure and upright? <pb/></t>
  12. 12<t>Ears that hear and eyes that see—</t> <t>the LORD has made them both. <pb/></t>
  13. 13<t>Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;</t> <t>stay awake and you will have food to spare. <pb/></t>
  14. 14<t>“It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer—</t> <t>then goes off and boasts about the purchase. <pb/></t>
  15. 15<t>Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,</t> <t>but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. <pb/></t>
  16. 16<t>Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;</t> <t>hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider. <pb/></t>
  17. 17<t>Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,</t> <t>but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel. <pb/></t>
  18. 18<t>Plans are established by seeking advice;</t> <t>so if you wage war, obtain guidance. <pb/></t>
  19. 19<t>A gossip betrays a confidence;</t> <t>so avoid anyone who talks too much. <pb/></t>
  20. 20<t>If someone curses their father or mother,</t> <t>their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. <pb/></t>
  21. 21<t>An inheritance claimed too soon</t> <t>will not be blessed at the end. <pb/></t>
  22. 22<t>Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”</t> <t>Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. <pb/></t>
  23. 23<t>The LORD detests differing weights,</t> <t>and dishonest scales do not please him. <pb/></t>
  24. 24<t>A person’s steps are directed by the LORD.</t> <t>How then can anyone understand their own way? <pb/></t>
  25. 25<t>It is a trap to dedicate something rashly</t> <t>and only later to consider one’s vows. <pb/></t>
  26. 26<t>A wise king winnows out the wicked;</t> <t>he drives the threshing wheel over them. <pb/></t>
  27. 27<t>The human spirit is<f>[36]</f> the lamp of the LORD</t> <t>that sheds light on one’s inmost being. <pb/></t>
  28. 28<t>Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;</t> <t>through love his throne is made secure. <pb/></t>
  29. 29<t>The glory of young men is their strength,</t> <t>gray hair the splendor of the old. <pb/></t>
  30. 30<t>Blows and wounds scrub away evil,</t> <t>and beatings purge the inmost being.</t>