Proverbs 19:23–20:11

23 The fear of the Lord leads to life;

then one rests content, untouched by trouble.c

24 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;

he will not even bring it back to his mouth!d

25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence;

rebuke the discerning,e and they will gain knowledge.f

26 Whoever robs their father and drives out their motherg

is a child who brings shame and disgrace.

27 Stop listening to instruction, my son,h

and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A corrupt witness mocks at justice,

and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.i

29 Penalties are prepared for mockers,

and beatings for the backs of fools.j

20 Winek is a mockerl and beer a brawler;

whoever is led astraym by them is not wise.n

2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;o

those who anger him forfeit their lives.p

3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,

but every foolq is quick to quarrel.r

4 Sluggardss do not plow in season;

so at harvest time they look but find nothing.t

5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,u

but one who has insight draws them out.

6 Many claim to have unfailing love,

but a faithful person who can find?v

7 The righteous lead blameless lives;w

blessed are their children after them.x

8 When a king sits on his throne to judge,y

he winnows out all evil with his eyes.z

9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;a

I am clean and without sin”?b

10 Differing weights and differing measures—

the Lord detests them both.c

11 Even small children are known by their actions,

so is their conduct really pured and upright?