Wine Is a Mocker
Strong drink is a brawler,
And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.
Since any fool can start a quarrel.
He will beg during harvest and have nothing.
But a man of understanding will draw it out.
But who can find a faithful man?
His children are blessed after him.
Scatters all evil with his eyes.
I am pure from my sin”?
They are both alike, an abomination to the Lord.
Whether what he does is pure and right.
The Lord has made them both.
Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread.
But when he has gone his way, then he boasts.
But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress.
But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
By wise counsel wage war.
Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.
His lamp will be put out in deep darkness.
Will not be blessed at the end.
Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.
And dishonest scales are not good.
How then can a man understand his own way?
And afterward to reconsider his vows.
And brings the threshing wheel over them.
Searching all the [e]inner depths of his heart.
And by [f]lovingkindness he upholds his throne.
And the splendor of old men is their gray head.
As do stripes the [g]inner depths of the heart.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 20:2 Lit. fear or terror, produced by the king’s wrath
- Proverbs 20:6 Lit. mercy
- Proverbs 20:14 Lit. evil, evil
- Proverbs 20:22 repay
- Proverbs 20:27 Lit. rooms of the belly
- Proverbs 20:28 mercy
- Proverbs 20:30 Lit. rooms of the belly