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[1] Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

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

[3] It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.

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

[5] Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.

[6] Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man?

[7] A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him.

[8] A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his eyes.

[9] Who can say, “I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin?”

[10] Differing weights and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.

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

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

[13] Don’t love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.

[14] “It’s no good, it’s no good,” says the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasts.

[15] There is gold and abundance of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.

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

[17] Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.

[18] Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war!

[19] He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips.

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

[21] An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning, won’t be blessed in the end.

[22] Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for the LORD, and he will save you.

[23] The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing.

[24] A man’s steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way?

[25] It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, then later to consider his vows.

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

[27] The spirit of man is the LORD’s lamp, searching all his innermost parts.

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

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

[30] Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost parts.

Proverbs — Chapters