Proverbs 30:20

The Message Bible (MSG)
Here’s how a prostitute operates:
    she has sex with her client,
Takes a bath,
    then asks, “Who’s next?”

Four Intolerables

21-23 Three things are too much for even the earth to bear,
    yes, four things shake its foundations—

when the janitor becomes the boss,
when a fool gets rich,
when a whore is voted “woman of the year,”
when a “girlfriend” replaces a faithful wife.

Four Small Wonders

24-28 There are four small creatures,
    wisest of the wise they are—

ants—frail as they are,
    get plenty of food in for the winter;
marmots—vulnerable as they are,
    manage to arrange for rock-solid homes;
locusts—leaderless insects,
    yet they strip the field like an army regiment;
lizards—easy enough to catch,
    but they sneak past vigilant palace guards.

Four Dignitaries

29-31 There are three solemn dignitaries,
    four that are impressive in their bearing—

a lion, king of the beasts, deferring to none;
a rooster, proud and strutting;
a billy goat;
a head of state in stately procession.

32-33 If you’re dumb enough to call attention to yourself
    by offending people and making rude gestures,
Don’t be surprised if someone bloodies your nose.
    Churned milk turns into butter;
    riled emotions turn into fist fights.

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