Proverbs 20:1-15

New International Reader's Version

20 Wine causes you to make fun of others, and beer causes you to start fights.
    Anyone who is led astray by them is not wise.

² A king’s anger brings terror like a lion’s roar.
    Anyone who makes him angry may lose their life.

³ Avoiding a fight brings honor to a person.
    But every foolish person is quick to argue.

⁴ Anyone who refuses to work doesn’t plow in the right season.
    When they look for a crop at harvest time, they don’t find it.

⁵ The purposes of a person’s heart are like deep water.
    But one who has understanding brings them out.

⁶ Many claim to have love that never fails.
    But who can find a faithful person?

⁷ Those who do what is right live without blame.
    Blessed are their children after them.

⁸ A king sits on his throne to judge.
    He gets rid of all evil when he sees it.

⁹ No one can say, “I have kept my heart pure.
    I’m ‘clean,’ and I haven’t sinned.”

¹⁰ The Lord hates two things.
    He hates weights that weigh things heavier or lighter than they really are.
    He also hates measures that measure things larger or smaller than they really are.

¹¹ Even small children are known by their actions.
    So is their conduct really pure and right?

¹² The Lord has made two things.
    He has made ears that hear.
    He has also made eyes that see.

¹³ Don’t love sleep, or you will become poor.
    Stay awake, and you will have more food than you need.

¹⁴ “It’s no good. It’s no good!” says a buyer.
    Then off they go and brag about what they bought.

¹⁵ There is gold, and there are plenty of rubies.
    But lips that speak knowledge are a priceless jewel.