Chapter 20

  Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler; Whoever is let astray by them is not wise.  

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  The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion: He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.  

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  It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be quarreling.  

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  The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.  

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  Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; But a man of understanding will draw it out.  

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  Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, But who can find a faithful man?  

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  A righteous man who walks in his integrity, Blessed are his children after him.  

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  A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters away all evil with his eyes.  

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  Who can say, 'I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin?'  

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  Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.  

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  Even a child makes himself known by his doings, Whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.  

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  The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Yahweh has made even both of them.  

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  Don't love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.  

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  'It's no good, it's no good,' says the buyer; But when he is gone his way, then he boasts.  

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  There is gold and abundance of rubies; But the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.  

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  Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; And hold him in pledge for a wayward woman.  

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  Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, But afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.  

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  Plans are established by advice; By wise guidance you wage war!  

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  He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; Therefore don't keep company with him who opens wide his lips.  

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  Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.  

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  An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning, Won't be blessed in the end.  

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  Don't say, 'I will pay back evil.' Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.  

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  Yahweh detests differing weights, And dishonest scales are not pleasing.  

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  A man's steps are from Yahweh; How then can man understand his way?  

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  It is a snare to a man make a rash dedication, And later reconsider his vows.  

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  A wise king winnows out the wicked, And drives the threshing wheel over them.  

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  The spirit of man is Yahweh's lamp, Searching all his innermost parts.  

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  Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love.  

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  The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair.  

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  Wounding blows cleanse away evil, And beatings purge the innermost parts.  

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