Proverbs, chapter 20
Words of Wisdom Are Better than Gold
t isn't smart to get drunk! Drinking makes a fool of you
and leads to fights.
2 An angry ruler is like a roaring lion—
make either one angry, and you are dead.
3It makes you look good when you avoid a fight—
only fools love to quarrel.
4If you are too lazy to plow, don't expect a harvest.
5 Someone's thoughts may be as deep as the ocean,
but if you are smart, you will discover them.
6There are many who say, “You can trust me!”
But can they be trusted?
7Good people live right,
and God blesses the children who follow their example.
8When rulers decide cases, they weigh the evidence.
9Can any of us really say,
“My thoughts are pure, and my sins are gone”?
10Two things the Lord hates are dishonest scales
and dishonest measures.
11The good or bad that children do
shows what they are like.
12Hearing and seeing are gifts from the Lord.
13 If you sleep all the time, you will starve;
if you get up and work, you will have enough food.
14Everyone likes to brag about getting a bargain.
15Sensible words are better than gold or jewels.
16You deserve to lose your coat
if you loan it to someone to guarantee payment
for the debt of a stranger.
17The food you get by cheating may taste delicious,
but it turns to gravel.
18Be sure you have sound advice before making plans
or starting a war.
19Stay away from gossips— they tell everything.
20Children who curse their parents
will go to the land of darkness long before their time.
21Getting rich quick may turn out to be a curse.
22Don't try to get even.
Trust the Lord, and he will help you.
23The Lord hates dishonest scales and dishonest weights.
So don't cheat!
24How can we know what will happen to us
when the Lord alone decides?
25Don't fall into the trap
of making promises to God before you think!
26A wise ruler severely punishes every criminal.
27Our inner thoughts are a lamp from the Lord,
and they search our hearts.
28Rulers are protected by God's mercy and loyalty,
but they must be merciful for their kingdoms to last.
29Young people take pride in their strength,
but the gray hairs of wisdom are even more beautiful.
30 A severe beating can knock all of the evil out of you!