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20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. 20:2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. 20:3 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel. 20:4 The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing. 20:5 A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out. 20:6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man? 20:7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity-- How blessed are his sons after him. 20:8 A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes. 20:9 Who can say, "I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin"? 20:10 Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to the Lord. 20:11 It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right. 20:12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made both of them. 20:13 Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food. 20:14 "Bad, bad," says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts. 20:15 There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing. 20:16 Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger; And for foreigners, hold him in pledge. 20:17 Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. 20:18 Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance. 20:19 He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip. 20:20 He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness. 20:21 An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end. 20:22 Do not say, "I will repay evil"; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you. 20:23 Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, And a false scale is not good. 20:24 Man's steps are ordained by the Lord, How then can man understand his way? 20:25 It is a trap for a man to say rashly, "It is holy!" And after the vows to make inquiry. 20:26 A wise king winnows the wicked, And drives the threshing wheel over them. 20:27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the innermost parts of his being. 20:28 Loyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by righteousness. 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of old men is their gray hair. 20:30 Stripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes reach the innermost parts.