Proverbs Monthly

20 Wine^(A) is a mocker^(B) and beer a brawler;
    whoever is led astray^(C) by them is not wise.^(D)

² A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;^(E)
    those who anger him forfeit their lives.^(F)

³ It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
    but every fool^(G) is quick to quarrel.^(H)

⁴ Sluggards^(I) do not plow in season;
    so at harvest time they look but find nothing.^(J)

⁵ The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,^(K)
    but one who has insight draws them out.

⁶ Many claim to have unfailing love,
    but a faithful person who can find?^(L)

⁷ The righteous lead blameless lives;^(M)
    blessed are their children after them.^(N)

⁸ When a king sits on his throne to judge,^(O)
    he winnows out all evil with his eyes.^(P)

⁹ Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;^(Q)
    I am clean and without sin”?^(R)

¹⁰ Differing weights and differing measures—
    the Lord detests them both.^(S)

¹¹ Even small children are known by their actions,
    so is their conduct really pure^(T) and upright?

¹² Ears that hear and eyes that see—
    the Lord has made them both.^(U)

¹³ Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;^(V)
    stay awake and you will have food to spare.

¹⁴ “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer—
    then goes off and boasts about the purchase.

¹⁵ Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
    but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

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

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

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

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

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

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!”^(AE)
    Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.^(AF)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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