Proverbs 20:16-30

Christian Standard Bible

¹⁶ Take his garment,
for he has put up security for a stranger;
get collateral if it is for foreigners.^(A)

¹⁷ Food gained by fraud is sweet to a person,^(B)
but afterward his mouth is full of gravel.^(C)

¹⁸ Finalize plans with counsel,^(D)
and wage war with sound guidance.^(E)

¹⁹ The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip;^(F)
avoid someone with a big mouth.^(G)

²⁰ Whoever curses his father or mother^(H)—
his lamp will go out in deep darkness.^(I)

²¹ An inheritance gained prematurely
will not be blessed ultimately.^(J)

²² Don’t say, “I will avenge this evil!” ^(K)
Wait on the Lord,^(L) and he will rescue you.^(M)

²³ Differing weights^[a] are detestable to the Lord,^(N)
and dishonest scales^(O) are unfair.

²⁴ Even a courageous person’s steps are determined by the Lord,^(P)
so how can anyone understand his own way?

²⁵ It is a trap for anyone to dedicate something rashly
and later to reconsider his vows.^(Q)

²⁶ A wise king separates out the wicked^(R)
and drives the threshing wheel^(S) over them.

²⁷ The Lord’s lamp sheds light on a person’s life,^[b]
searching the innermost parts.^[c](T)

²⁸ Loyalty and faithfulness guard a king;
through loyalty he maintains his throne.

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

³⁰ Lashes and wounds purge away evil,^(V)
and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.^[d]