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20:1  Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
20:2  A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.
20:3  It is to one’s honour to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
20:4  Sluggards do not plough in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
20:5  The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.
20:6  Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?
20:7  The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
20:8  When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
20:9  Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin’?
20:10  Differing weights and differing measures – the Lord detests them both.
20:11  Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?
20:12  Ears that hear and eyes that see – the Lord has made them both.
20:13  Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.
20:14  ‘It’s no good, it’s no good!’ says the buyer – then goes off and boasts about the purchase.
20:15  Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
20:16  Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
20:17  Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
20:18  Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
20:19  A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
20:20  If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
20:21  An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.
20:22  Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.
20:23  The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
20:24  A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?
20:25  It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.
20:26  A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.
20:27  The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.
20:28  Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.
20:29  The glory of young men is their strength, grey hair the splendour of the old.
20:30  Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.