Proverbs 24:1–12

Be not uenvious of evil men,

nor desire to be vwith them,

2  for their hearts wdevise violence,

and their lips xtalk of trouble.

3  By ywisdom a house is built,

and by understanding it is established;

4  by knowledge the rooms are filled

with all zprecious and pleasant riches.

5  aA wise man is full of strength,

and a man of knowledge enhances his might,

6  for by bwise guidance you can wage your war,

and in cabundance of counselors there is victory.

7  Wisdom is dtoo high for a fool;

in ethe gate he does not open his mouth.

8  Whoever fplans to do evil

will be called a schemer.

9  gThe devising1 of folly is sin,

and hthe scoffer is an abomination to mankind.

10  If you ifaint in the day of adversity,

your strength is small.

11  jRescue those who are being taken away to death;

hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.

12  If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”

kdoes not he who lweighs the heart perceive it?

Does not he who mkeeps watch over your soul know it,

and will he not repay man naccording to his work?