Proverbs 20:16-30

20:16 Take a man’s garment when he has given security for a stranger,

and when he gives surety for strangers, hold him in pledge.

20:17 Bread gained by deceit tastes sweet to a person,

but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

20:18 Plans are established by counsel,

so make war with guidance.

20:19 The one who goes about gossiping reveals secrets;

therefore do not associate with someone who is always opening his mouth.

20:20 The one who curses his father and his mother,

his lamp will be extinguished in the blackest darkness.

20:21 An inheritance gained easily in the beginning

will not be blessed in the end.

20:22 Do not say, “I will pay back evil!”

Wait for the Lord, so that he may vindicate you.

20:23 The Lord abhors differing weights,

and dishonest scales are wicked.

20:24 The steps of a person are ordained by the Lord –

so how can anyone understand his own way?

20:25 It is a snare for a person to rashly cry, “Holy!”

and only afterward to consider what he has vowed.

20:26 A wise king separates out the wicked;

he turns the threshing wheel over them.

20:27 The human spirit is like the lamp of the Lord,

searching all his innermost parts.

20:28 Loyal love and truth preserve a king,

and his throne is upheld by loyal love.

20:29 The glory of young men is their strength,

and the splendor of old men is gray hair.

20:30 Beatings and wounds cleanse away evil,

and floggings cleanse the innermost being.