Proverbs 20:16-30

New International Version

¹⁶ Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
    hold it in pledge^(A) if it is done for an outsider.^(B)

¹⁷ Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,^(C)
    but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.^(D)

¹⁸ Plans are established by seeking advice;
    so if you wage war, obtain guidance.^(E)

¹⁹ A gossip betrays a confidence;^(F)
    so avoid anyone who talks too much.

²⁰ If someone curses their father or mother,^(G)
    their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.^(H)

²¹ An inheritance claimed too soon
    will not be blessed at the end.

²² Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”^(I)
    Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.^(J)

²³ The Lord detests differing weights,
    and dishonest scales do not please him.^(K)

²⁴ A person’s steps are directed^(L) by the Lord.^(M)
    How then can anyone understand their own way?^(N)

²⁵ It is a trap to dedicate something rashly
    and only later to consider one’s vows.^(O)

²⁶ A wise king winnows out the wicked;
    he drives the threshing wheel over them.^(P)

²⁷ The human spirit is^[a] the lamp of the Lord^(Q)
    that sheds light on one’s inmost being.^(R)

²⁸ Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;
    through love^(S) his throne is made secure.^(T)

²⁹ The glory of young men is their strength,
    gray hair the splendor of the old.^(U)

³⁰ Blows and wounds scrub^(V) away evil,
    and beatings^(W) purge the inmost being.