More Sayings of the Wise

23 These also are sayings of athe wise.

bPartiality in judging is not good.

24  Whoever csays to the wicked, “You are in the right,”

dwill be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,

25  but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,

and a good blessing will come upon them.

26  Whoever gives an honest answer

kisses the lips.

27  ePrepare your work outside;

get everything ready for yourself in the field,

and after that build your house.

28  fBe not a witness against your neighbor without cause,

and do not deceive with your lips.

29  Do not say, g“I will do to him as he has done to me;

I will pay the man back for what he has done.”

30  hI passed by the field of a sluggard,

by the vineyard of a man ilacking sense,

31  and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;

the ground was covered with nettles,

and its stone jwall was broken down.

32  Then I saw and kconsidered it;

I looked and received instruction.

33  lA little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest,

34  and poverty will come upon you like a robber,

and want like an armed man.