| Chapter 20 |
1 |
Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler; Whoever is let astray by them is not wise. |
2 |
The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion: He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. |
3 |
It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be quarreling. |
4 |
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing. |
5 |
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; But a man of understanding will draw it out. |
6 |
Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, But who can find a faithful man? |
7 |
A righteous man who walks in his integrity, Blessed are his children after him. |
8 |
A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters away all evil with his eyes. |
9 |
Who can say, "I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin?" |
10 |
Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. |
11 |
Even a child makes himself known by his doings, Whether his work is pure, and whether it is right. |
12 |
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Yahweh has made even both of them. |
13 |
Don`t love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread. |
14 |
"It`s no good, it`s no good," says the buyer; But when he is gone his way, then he boasts. |
15 |
There is gold and abundance of rubies; But the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel. |
16 |
Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; And hold him in pledge for a wayward woman. |
17 |
Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, But afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel. |
18 |
Plans are established by advice; By wise guidance you wage war! |
19 |
He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; Therefore don`t keep company with him who opens wide his lips. |
20 |
Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness. |
21 |
An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning, Won`t be blessed in the end. |
22 |
Don`t say, "I will pay back evil." Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you. |
23 |
Yahweh detests differing weights, And dishonest scales are not pleasing. |
24 |
A man`s steps are from Yahweh; How then can man understand his way? |
25 |
It is a snare to a man make a rash dedication, And later reconsider his vows. |
26 |
A wise king winnows out the wicked, And drives the threshing wheel over them. |
27 |
The spirit of man is Yahweh`s lamp, Searching all his innermost parts. |
28 |
Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love. |
29 |
The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair. |
30 |
Wounding blows cleanse away evil, And beatings purge the innermost parts. |