Proverbs Chapter 20 (NIV)

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undefined Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

undefined A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion;he who angers him forfeits his life.

undefined It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife,but every fool is quick to quarrel.

undefined A sluggard does not plow in season;so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.

undefined The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters,but a man of understanding draws them out.

undefined Many a man claims to have unfailing love,but a faithful man who can find?

undefined The righteous man leads a blameless life;blessed are his children after him.

undefined When a king sits on his throne to judge,he winnows out all evil with his eyes.

undefined Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;I am clean and without sin”?

undefined Differing weights and differing measures—the Lord detests them both.

undefined Even a child is known by his actions,by whether his conduct is pure and right.

undefined Ears that hear and eyes that see—the Lord has made them both.

undefined Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;stay awake and you will have food to spare.

undefined “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer;then off he goes and boasts about his purchase.

undefined Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

undefined Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.

undefined Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man,but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.

undefined Make plans by seeking advice;if you wage war, obtain guidance.

undefined A gossip betrays a confidence;so avoid a man who talks too much.

undefined If a man curses his father or mother,his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

undefined An inheritance quickly gained at the beginningwill not be blessed at the end.

undefined Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.

undefined The Lord detests differing weights,and dishonest scales do not please him.

undefined A man’s steps are directed by the Lord.How then can anyone understand his own way?

undefined It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashlyand only later to consider his vows.

undefined A wise king winnows out the wicked;he drives the threshing wheel over them.

undefined The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man;it searches out his inmost being.

undefined Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;through love his throne is made secure.

undefined The glory of young men is their strength,gray hair the splendor of the old.

undefined Blows and wounds cleanse away evil,and beatings purge the inmost being.

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