Proverbs 24:23–34

More Sayings of the Wise

²³These also are sayings of ^athe wise.

^bPartiality in judging is not good.

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

^dwill be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,

²⁵but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,

and a good blessing will come upon them.

²⁶Whoever gives an honest answer

kisses the lips.

^27ePrepare your work outside;

get everything ready for yourself in the field,

and after that build your house.

^28fBe not a witness against your neighbor without cause,

and do not deceive with your lips.

²⁹Do 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.”

^30hI passed by the field of a sluggard,

by the vineyard of a man ⁱlacking sense,

³¹and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;

the ground was covered with nettles,

and its stone ^jwall was broken down.

³²Then I saw and ^kconsidered it;

I looked and received instruction.

^33lA little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest,

³⁴and poverty will come upon you like a robber,

and want like an armed man.