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20:1  Wine is a mocker; beer a carouser. Those it leads astray won’t become wise.
20:2  A king is as terrifying as a lion’s growl. Those who anger him may lose their life.
20:3  It is honorable to back off from a fight, but fools jump right in.
20:4  The lazy don’t plow during winter; at harvest they look but find nothing.
20:5  Advice comes from the deep waters of the heart; those with understanding can draw it out.
20:6  Many people will say that they are loyal, but who can find a reliable person?
20:7  The righteous live with integrity; happy are their children who come after them.
20:8  A king who sits on his judgment throne sifts out all evil with his eyes.
20:9  Who can say, “I’m innocent to the core; I’m cleansed from my sin”?
20:10  False weights and measures— the Lord detests them both.
20:11  Even young people are known by their actions, whether their conduct is pure and upright.
20:12  Ears to hear and eyes to see— the Lord made them both.
20:13  Don’t love sleep or you will be poor; stay alert and you will have plenty to eat.
20:14  The buyer says, “Bad, bad,” but then goes away and brags.
20:15  Much gold and many pearls exist, but wise speech is the most precious jewel.
20:16  Take the garment of the person who secures a loan for a stranger; take his pledge for a foreigner.
20:17  Stolen bread is sweet, but afterward the mouth is full of gravel.
20:18  Plans are firmed up by advice; wage wars with good guidance.
20:19  Gossips reveal secrets; don’t associate with those who talk too much.
20:20  Those who curse their father or mother— their lamp will be snuffed out when it becomes dark.
20:21  Inheritance gained quickly at first won’t bless later on.
20:22  Don’t say, “I’ll repay the evildoer!” Wait for the Lord, and he will save you.
20:23  The Lord detests false weights; deceptive scales aren’t right.
20:24  A person’s steps are from the Lord; how then can people understand their path?
20:25  It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,” and only reflect after making the promise.
20:26  A wise king sifts out the wicked, and runs them over with a wheel.
20:27  The breath of a person is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inmost parts.
20:28  Kindness and faithfulness protect the king; he supports his throne by kindness.
20:29  Strength is the glory of young men; gray hair is the splendor of old age.
20:30  Blows and bruises remove evil; beatings cleanse the inner parts.