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20:1  Wine encourages recklessness and strong drink leads to brawls; anyone who allows them to seduce him is not wise.
20:2  The anger of a king is like the roar of a lion; he who provokes him places his life in jeopardy.
20:3  It is honorable to avoid strife, but every fool is quarrelsome.
20:4  The idler does not plow in season; so at harvest-time he looks for a crop in vain.
20:5  The purpose of a man’s heart is like deep water, but a discerning person will draw it out.
20:6  Many declare their loyalty, but who can find someone truly faithful?
20:7  When a man leads a blameless and upright life, blessed are the children who succeed him.
20:8  A king who is seated on the throne of judgment will eradicate all evil with a mere glance.
20:9  Who can truly say, “I have cleansed my heart and I am purified of all sin”?
20:10  Weights and measures that are not consistent are an abomination to the Lord.
20:11  By his very actions a child reveals whether his conduct is innocent and upright.
20:12  The ear that hears and the eye that sees— the Lord has made both of them.
20:13  Do not love sleep if you wish to avoid poverty; remain awake and you will never lack food.
20:14  “No good, no good,” says the buyer, but then he goes forth to boast about his bargain.
20:15  There is gold or an abundance of costly pearls, but the lips that reveal knowledge are a rare jewel.
20:16  Take the garment of anyone who becomes surety for a stranger; demand a pledge as security for persons unknown to you.
20:17  Bread obtained by deceit may taste sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth is filled with grit.
20:18  Plans will succeed when good advice is accepted; follow wise guidance when waging war.
20:19  A tale-bearer will reveal secrets; so do not associate with a gossip.
20:20  If anyone curses his father or mother, his lamp will go out in utter darkness.
20:21  Possessions that are quickly acquired in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.
20:22  Do not say, “I will repay evil,” but trust in the Lord, who will help you.
20:23  Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, and dishonest scales are not acceptable to him.
20:24  A man’s steps are directed by the Lord; how then can anyone understand his own way?
20:25  It is rash to pledge a sacred gift, or to make a vow and then have second thoughts.
20:26  A wise king winnows the wicked and requites them for their guilt.
20:27  The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that searches out the innermost self.
20:28  Loyalty and faithfulness preserve the king, and his throne is founded on saving justice.
20:29  The glory of youths is their strength, but the splendor of the aged is their gray hair.
20:30  Evil is cleansed away by blows that wound, and beatings chasten the innermost being.