Proverbs 20:15–25

15 Wise words are more valuable

than much gold and many rubies.

16 Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt.

Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners.*

17 Stolen bread tastes sweet,

but it turns to gravel in the mouth.

18 Plans succeed through good counsel;

don’t go to war without wise advice.

19 A gossip goes around telling secrets,

so don’t hang around with chatterers.

20 If you insult your father or mother,

your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.

21 An inheritance obtained too early in life

is not a blessing in the end.

22 Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.”

Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.

23 The Lord detests double standards;

he is not pleased by dishonest scales.

24 The Lord directs our steps,

so why try to understand everything along the way?

25 Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God

and only later counting the cost.