Proverbs 20

1 Wine is an intemperate thing, and strong drink full of violence: But every fool is entangled with them. 2 The threat of a king differs not from the rage of a lion; And he that provokes him sins against his own soul. 3 It is a glory to a man to turn aside from railing; But every fool is entangled with such matters. 4 A sluggard when reproached is not ashamed: So also he who borrows corn in harvest. 5 Counsel in a man’s heart is deep water; But a prudent man will draw it out. 6 A man is valuable, and a merciful man precious: But it is hard to find a faithful man. 7 He that walks blameless in justice, Shall leave his children blessed. 8 Whenever a righteous king sits on the throne, No evil thing can stand before his presence. 9 Say not, I will avenge myself on my enemy; But wait on the Lord, that he may help thee. 10 A large and small weight, and diverse measures, Are even both of them unclean before the Lord; And so is he that makes them. 11 A youth when in company with a godly man, will be restrained in his devices, And then his way will be straight. 12 The ear hears, and the eye sees: Even both of them are the Lord’s work. 13 Love not to speak ill, lest thou be cut off: Open thine eyes, and be filled with bread. 23 A double weight is an abomination to the Lord; And a deceitful balance is not good in his sight. 24 A man’s goings are directed of the Lord: How then can a mortal understand his ways? 25 It is a snare to a man hastily to consecrate some of his own property: For in that case repentance comes after vowing. 26 A wise king utterly crushes the ungodly, And will bring a wheel upon them. 27 The spirit of man is a light of the Lord, Who searches the inmost parts of the belly. 28 Mercy and truth are a guard to a king, And will surround his throne with righteousness. 29 Wisdom is an ornament to young men; And gray hairs are the glory of old men. 30 Bruises and contusions befall bad men; And plagues shall come into the inward parts of their belly.