Proverbs Chapter 20 Another Call to Repent and Change Your Evil Ways

Proverbs Shed More Clarity On Conduct Even Behind Closed Doors

Common practices of cheating, lies and other wrong doings will lead no one to be blessed by G-d.

But, all his gains in vain will lead him to his punishment in due time; either in the present world, worst thereafter.

Be reminded, G-d sees all. Even to the smallest of deceit is taken into account.

“Man’s Soul”

Wine makes a scoffer; strong drink makes one cry out; and whoever errs after it will not grow wise.
20:1
Abstention from quarrel is a man’s honor, but every foolish one reveals himself [in it].
20:3
Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart. I have purified myself from my sin”?
:9
Even a youth can be recognized by his deeds, whether his acts are pure or just.
:11
A hearing ear and a seeing eye, Hashem made both of them.
:12
Do not love sleep lest you become impoverished; …
:13
The bread of falsehood is sweet to man; but afterwards his mouth will be filled with gravel.
:17
With a revealer of secrets, a bearer of tales, or a simpleton of lips, do not mingle.
:19
One who curses his father or mother, his light [soul] will flicker out in the deepening darkness.
:20
If an inheritance is seized hastily in the beginning, its end will not be blessed.
:21
Do not say, “I will pay retribution for evil!” Hope to Hashem and He will help you.
:22
Having one weight and a [different] weight is an abomination of Hashem, and scales of deceit are not good.
:23
A man’s soul is the lamp of Hashem, which searches the chambers of one’s innards.
:27

1 The [imbiber of] wine is a scorner; he roars, “Strong drink!” And whoever strays with it will not become wise.
2 Fear of a king is like a lion’s roar; he who provokes him forfeits his life.
3 It is honor for a man to refrain from quarreling, and every fool will be exposed.
4 Because of the winter, a lazy man does not plow; he will seek in harvest, and there will be nothing.
5 Counsel in man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.
6 Many people call upon the man who promises them kindness, but who can find a trustworthy man?
7 He who walks innocently is righteous; fortunate are his sons after him.
8 A king sits upon a throne of judgment; all evil is spread out before him.
9 Who will say, “I have cleansed my heart; I have become purified of my sin”?
10 Diverse weights and diverse measures-even both are an abomination of the Lord.
11 Even a child can disguise himself with his deeds, if his deed is pure or upright.
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made even both of them.
13 Do not love sleep lest you become poor, open your eyes and be sated with bread.
14 “It is bad, it is bad, ” says the buyer, but when he goes away, then he boasts.
15 There is gold and many pearls, but lips of knowledge are like a precious vessel.
16 Take his garment because he stood surety for a stranger, and hold him in pledge for an alien woman.
17 Bread of falsehood is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth will be filled with gravel.
18 Plans with counsel will be established, and with strategies wage war.
19 You shall not mingle with one who divulges secrets, one who gossips, or with one who entices with his lips.
20 If one curses his father and mother, his lamp will flicker in the blackest darkness.
21 An inheritance may be acquired hastily in the beginning, but its end will not be blessed.
22 Do not say, “I will repay evil.” Hope to the Lord, and He will save you.
23 Diverse weights are an abomination of the Lord, and deceptive scales are not good.
24 A man’s steps are from the Lord, for man understands nothing of his way.
25 When a man is trapped he impairs his sanctity, and he must seek vows.
26 The Wise King scatters the wicked, and turns the wheel over them.
27 Man’s soul is the Lord’s lamp, which searches out all the innermost parts.
28 Kindness and truth preserve the king, and he supports his throne with kindness.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of elders is a hoary head.
30 Contusions and wounds come for outpouring in evil, and plagues in the innermost parts.