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[1] Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

[2] The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.

[3] Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.

[4] The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.

[5] A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out.

[6] Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man?

[7] A righteous man who walks in his integrity— How blessed are his sons after him.

[8] A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes.

[9] Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”?

[10] Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to the LORD.

[11] It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right.

[12] The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The LORD has made both of them.

[13] Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food.

[14] “Bad, bad,” says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts.

[15] There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.

[16] Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger; And for foreigners, hold him in pledge.

[17] Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

[18] Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance.

[19] He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip.

[20] He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness.

[21] An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end.

[22] Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.

[23] Differing weights are an abomination to the LORD, And a false scale is not good.

[24] Man's steps are ordained by the LORD, How then can man understand his way?

[25] It is a trap for a man to say rashly, “It is holy!” And after the vows to make inquiry.

[26] A wise king winnows the wicked, And drives the threshing wheel over them.

[27] The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the innermost parts of his being.

[28] Loyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by righteousness.

[29] The glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of old men is their gray hair.

[30] Stripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes reach the innermost parts.

Proverbs — Chapters