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

26 A wise king separates out the wicked(B)
and drives the threshing wheel(C) over them.

27 The Lord’s lamp sheds light on a person’s life,[a]
searching the innermost parts.[b](D)

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.(E)

30 Lashes and wounds purge away evil,(F)
and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.[c]

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Footnotes

  1. 20:27 Lit breath
  2. 20:27 Lit the chambers of the belly
  3. 20:30 Lit beatings the chambers of the belly

21 A king’s heart is like channeled water in the Lord’s hand:
He directs it wherever he chooses.(A)

All a person’s ways seem right to him,
but the Lord weighs hearts.(B)

Doing what is righteous and just
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.(C)

The lamp that guides the wicked—
haughty eyes and an arrogant heart(D)—is sin.

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