Proverbs, Chapter 20
“The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man.”
Proverbs 20:27
Wine is a mocker & beer a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them isn’t wise. A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion. He who angers him forfeits his life. It’s to a man’s honor to avoid strife. But every fool is quick to quarrel.
A sluggard doesn’t plow in season. So at harvest time he looks but finds nothing. The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters. But a man of understanding draws them out. Many a man claims to have unfailing love. But a faithful man who can find?
The righteous man leads a blameless life. Blessed are his kids after him. When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes. Who can say, “I’ve kept my heart pure, I’m clean & without sin”?
Differing weights & differing measures. The Lord detests them both. Even a kid is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure & right. Ears that hear & eyes that see. The Lord has made them both.
Don’t love sleep or you’ll grow poor. Stay awake & you’ll have food to spare. “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer. Then off he goes & boasts about his purchase. Gold there is, & rubies in abundance. But lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
Take the garment of 1 who puts up security for a stranger. Hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman. Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
Make plans by seeking advice. If you wage war, obtain guidance. A gossip betrays a confidence. So avoid a man who talks too much. If a man curses his mom or dad, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end. Don’t say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, & He’ll deliver you. The Lord detests differing weights. Dishonest scales don’t please Him.
A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way? It’s a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly & only later to consider his vows. A wise king winnows out the wicked. He drives the threshing wheel over them.
The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man. It searches out his inmost being. Love & faithfulness keep a king safe. Through love, his throne is made secure. The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.
Blows & wounds cleanse away evil. Beatings purge the inmost being.
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