1 Wine is a mocker, g beer is a brawler;
whoever goes astray I because of them is not wise.
2 A king’s terrible wrath is like the roaring of a lion;
anyone who provokes him endangers himself. h
3 Honor belongs to the person who ends a dispute, i
but any fool can get himself into a quarrel. j
4 The slacker does not plow during planting season; J
at harvest time he looks, K and there is nothing. k
5 Counsel in a person’s heart is deep water; l
but a person of understanding draws it out.
6 Many a person proclaims his own loyalty,
but who can find a trustworthy person? m
7 A righteous person acts with integrity; n
his children who come after him will be happy. o
8 A king sitting on a throne to judge
separates out all evil with his eyes. p
9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
I am cleansed from my sin”? q
10 Differing weights and varying measures L—
both are detestable to the LORD. r
11 Even a young man is known by his actions—
by whether his behavior is pure and upright. s
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye—
the LORD made them both. t
13 Don’t love sleep, or you will become poor;
open your eyes, and you’ll have enough to eat. u
14 “It’s worthless, it’s worthless! ” the buyer says,
but after he is on his way, he gloats.
15 There is gold and a multitude of jewels,
but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure. v
for he has put up security for a stranger;
get collateral if it is for foreigners. w
17 Food gained by fraud is sweet to a person, x
but afterward his mouth is full of gravel.
18 Finalize plans with counsel, y
and wage war with sound guidance. z
19 The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; a
avoid someone with a big mouth. b
20 Whoever curses his father or mother c—
his lamp will go out in deep darkness. d
21 An inheritance gained prematurely
will not be blessed ultimately. e
22 Don’t say, “I will avenge this evil! ” f
Wait on the LORD, g and he will rescue you. h
23 Differing weights M are detestable to the LORD, i
and dishonest scales j are unfair.
24 Even a courageous person’s steps are determined by the LORD, k
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. l
26 A wise king separates out the wicked m
and drives the threshing wheel n over them.
27 The LORD’S lamp sheds light on a person’s life, N
searching the innermost parts. O,o
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. p
30 Lashes and wounds purge away evil, q
and beatings cleanse the innermost parts. P