16 Take a man’s garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.1
17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.
18 Plans are established by counsel;
by wise guidance wage war.
19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;
therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.2
20 If one curses his father or his mother,
his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.
21 An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning
will not be blessed in the end.
22 Do not say, “I will repay evil”;
wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.Footnotes
[1] 20:16
Or for an adulteress (compare 27:13)
[2] 20:19Hebrew with one who is simple in his lips (ESV)
Categories