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Proverbs 20 (CEV)

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¹ It isn't smart to get drunk! Drinking makes a fool of you and leads to fights. ² An angry ruler is like a roaring lion-- make either one angry, and you are dead. ³ It makes you look good when you avoid a fight-- only fools love to quarrel. ⁴ If you are too lazy to plow, don't expect a harvest. ⁵ Someone's thoughts may be as deep as the ocean, but if you are smart, you will discover them. ⁶ There are many who say, "You can trust me!" But can they be trusted? ⁷ Good people live right, and God blesses the children who follow their example. ⁸ When rulers decide cases, they weigh the evidence. ⁹ Can any of us really say, "My thoughts are pure, and my sins are gone"? ¹⁰ Two things the LORD hates are dishonest scales and dishonest measures. ¹¹ The good or bad that children do shows what they are like. ¹² Hearing and seeing are gifts from the LORD. ¹³ If you sleep all the time, you will starve; if you get up and work, you will have enough food. ¹⁴ Everyone likes to brag about getting a bargain. ¹⁵ Sensible words are better than gold or jewels. ¹⁶ You deserve to lose your coat if you loan it to someone to guarantee payment for the debt of a stranger. ¹⁷ The food you get by cheating may taste delicious, but it turns to gravel. ¹⁸ Be sure you have sound advice before making plans or starting a war. ¹⁹ Stay away from gossips-- they tell everything. ²⁰ Children who curse their parents will go to the land of darkness long before their time. ²¹ Getting rich quick may turn out to be a curse. ²² Don't try to get even. Trust the LORD, and he will help you. ²³ The LORD hates dishonest scales and dishonest weights. So don't cheat! ²⁴ How can we know what will happen to us when the LORD alone decides? ²⁵ Don't fall into the trap of making promises to God before you think! ²⁶ A wise ruler severely punishes every criminal. ²⁷ Our inner thoughts are a lamp from the LORD, and they search our hearts. ²⁸ Rulers are protected by God's mercy and loyalty, but they must be merciful for their kingdoms to last. ²⁹ Young people take pride in their strength, but the gray hairs of wisdom are even more beautiful. ³⁰ A severe beating can knock all of the evil out of you!