Proverbs 20:14–24

14 “Bad, bad,” says the buyer,

But when he goes his way, then he boasts.

15 There is gold, and an abundance of 1jewels;

But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.

16 Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger;

And for foreigners, hold him in pledge.

17 aBread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man,

But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

18 Prepare aplans by consultation,

And bmake war by wise guidance.

19 He who agoes about as a slanderer reveals secrets,

Therefore do not associate with 1ba gossip.

20 He who acurses his father or his mother,

His blamp will go out in 1time of darkness.

21 An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning

Will not be blessed in the end.

22 aDo not say, “I will repay evil”;

bWait for the Lord, and He will save you.

23 1aDiffering weights are an abomination to the Lord,

And a 2bfalse scale is not good.

24 aMan’s steps are ordained by the Lord,

How then can man understand his way?