1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
whoever is led astray by them is not wise. |
2 A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion;
he who angers him forfeits his life. |
3 It is to a man's honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel. |
4 A sluggard does not plow in season;
so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing. |
5 The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters,
but a man of understanding draws them out. |
6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love,
but a faithful man who can find? |
7 The righteous man leads a blameless life;
blessed are his children after him. |
8 When a king sits on his throne to judge,
he winnows out all evil with his eyes. |
9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure;
I am clean and without sin"? |
10 Differing weights and differing measures-
the LORD detests them both. |
11 Even a child is known by his actions,
by whether his conduct is pure and right. |
12 Ears that hear and eyes that see-
the LORD has made them both. |
13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
stay awake and you will have food to spare. |
14 "It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer;
then off he goes and boasts about his purchase. |
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. |
16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman. |
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man,
but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel. |
18 Make plans by seeking advice;
if you wage war, obtain guidance. |
19 A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid a man who talks too much. |
20 If a man curses his father or mother,
his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. |
21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning
will not be blessed at the end. |
22 Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!"
Wait for the LORD , and he will deliver you. |
23 The LORD detests differing weights,
and dishonest scales do not please him. |
24 A man's steps are directed by the LORD .
How then can anyone understand his own way? |
25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly
and only later to consider his vows. |
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked;
he drives the threshing wheel over them. |
27 The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man1 20:27 Or The spirit of man is the LORD 's lamp ;
it searches out his inmost being. |
28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;
through love his throne is made secure. |
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
gray hair the splendor of the old. |
30 Blows and wounds cleanse away evil,
and beatings purge the inmost being. |
