Proverbs 20 · Clearspring

Wine Is a Mocker

¹Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.+ ²The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.+ ³It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.+ ⁴The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.+ ⁵The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.+ ⁶Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?+ ⁷The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.+ ⁸A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes.+ ⁹Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?+ ¹⁰Differing weights and unequal measures— both are detestable to the LORD.+ ¹¹Even a young man is known by his actions— whether his conduct is pure and upright.+ ¹²Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.+ ¹³Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food.+ ¹⁴“Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats.+ ¹⁵There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.+ ¹⁶Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.+ ¹⁷Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel.+ ¹⁸Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.+ ¹⁹He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.+ ²⁰Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.+ ²¹An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end.+ ²²Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.+ ²³Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good.+ ²⁴A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way?+ ²⁵It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.+ ²⁶A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them.+ ²⁷The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being.+ ²⁸Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.+ ²⁹The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old.+ ³⁰Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts.+

Wine Is a Mocker

Study Proverbs 20