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1 Wine is a mocker and beer a
brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2 A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion; he who
angers him forfeits his life.
3 It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every
fool is quick to quarrel.
4 A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest
time he looks but finds nothing.
5 The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a
man of understanding draws them out.
6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a
faithful man who can find?
7 The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed
are his children after him.
8 When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows
out all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean
and without sin”?
10 Differing weights and differing measures— the Lord
detests them both.
11 Even a child is known by his actions, by whether
his conduct is pure and right.
12 Ears that hear and eyes that see— the Lord has made
them both.
13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake
and you will have food to spare.
14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer; then
off he goes and boasts about his purchase.
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips
that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a
stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward
woman.
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he
ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
18 Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war,
obtain guidance.
19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who
talks too much.
20 If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will
be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will
not be blessed at the end.
22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”
Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.
23 The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest
scales do not please him.
24 A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then
can anyone understand his own way?
25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly
and only later to consider his vows.
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the
threshing wheel over them.
27 The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man;
it searches out his inmost being.
28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through
love his throne is made secure.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair
the splendor of the old.
30 Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings
purge the inmost being.
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Cults 
Why Did God Permit Sin?
