Proverbs 20 (BST)

1 Wine is an intemperate thing, and strong drink full of violence: but every fool is entangled with them.

2 The threat of a king differs not from the rage of a lion; and he that provokes him sins against his own soul.

3 It is a glory to a man to turn aside from railing; but every fool is entangled with such matters.

4 A sluggard when reproached is not ashamed: so also he who borrows corn in harvest.

5 Counsel in a man's heart is deep water; but a prudent man will draw it out.

6 A man is valuable, and a merciful man precious: but it is hard to find a faithful man.

7 He that walks blameless in justice, shall leave his children blessed.

8 Whenever a righteous king sits on the throne, no evil thing can stand before his presence.

9 Say not, I will avenge myself on my enemy; but wait on the Lord, that he may help thee.

10 A large and small weight, and divers measures, are even both of them unclean before the Lord; and so is he that makes them. 1

11 A youth when in company with a godly man, will be restrained in his devices, and then his way will be straight.

12 The ear hears, and the eye sees: even both of them are the Lord's work.

13 Love not to speak ill, lest thou be cut off: open thine eyes, and be filled with bread.

23 A double weight is an abomination to the Lord; and a deceitful balance is not good in his sight.

24 A man's goings are directed of the Lord: how then can a mortal understand his ways?

25 It is a snare to a man hastily to consecrate some of his own property: for in that case repentance comes after vowing.

26 A wise king utterly crushes the ungodly, and will bring a wheel upon them.

27 The spirit of man is a light of the Lord, who searches the inmost parts of the belly. 1

28 Mercy and truth are a guard to a king, and will surround his throne with righteousness.

29 Wisdom is an ornament to young men; and grey hairs are the glory of old men.

30 Bruises and contusions befall bad men; and plagues shall come into the inward parts of their belly.

Proverbs 20