20 Wine is a mocker, a beer is a brawler,

and whoever staggers because of them is not wise.

2 A king’s terrible wrath is like the roaring of a lion;

anyone who provokes him endangers himself. b

3 It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, c

but any fool can get himself into a quarrel. d

4 The slacker does not plow during planting season; e

at harvest time he looks, f and there is nothing. g

5 Counsel in a man’s heart is deep water; h

but a man of understanding draws it out.

6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty,

but who can find a trustworthy man? i

7 The one who lives with integrity is righteous; j

his children k who come after him will be happy. l

8 A king sitting on a throne to judge

sifts out all evil with his eyes. m

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

I am cleansed from my sin”? n

10 Differing weights and varying measures o—

both are detestable to the Lord. p

11 Even a young man is known by his actions—

if his behavior is pure and upright. q

12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye—

the Lord made them both. r

13 Don’t love sleep, or you will become poor;

open your eyes, and you’ll have enough to eat. s

14 “It’s worthless, it’s worthless!” the buyer says,

but after he is on his way, he gloats.

15 There is gold and a multitude of jewels,

but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure. t

16 Take his garment, u

for he has put up security for a stranger;

get collateral if it is for foreigners. v

17 Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, w

but afterward his mouth is full of gravel.

18 Finalize plans with counsel, x

and wage war with sound guidance. y

19 The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; z

avoid someone with a big mouth. a

20 Whoever curses his father or mother b—

his lamp will go out in deep darkness. c

21 An inheritance gained prematurely

will not be blessed ultimately. d

22 Don’t say, “I will avenge this evil!” e

Wait on the Lord, f and He will rescue you. g

23 Differing weights h are detestable to the Lord, i

and dishonest scales j are unfair.

24 A man’s steps are determined by the Lord, k

so how can anyone understand his own way?

25 It is a trap for anyone to dedicate something rashly

and later to reconsider his vows. l

26 A wise king separates out the wicked m

and drives the threshing wheel n over them.

27 The Lord’s lamp sheds light on a person’s life, o

searching the innermost parts. p q

28 Loyalty and faithfulness deliver a king;

through loyalty he maintains his throne.

29 The glory of young men is their strength,

and the splendor of old men is gray hair. r

30 Lashes and wounds purge away evil, s

and beatings cleanse the innermost parts. t