Proverbs 24:23–34

Learning from Wise People

²³These also are the sayings of wise people: 

Showing partiality as a judge is not good. 

²⁴Whoever says to a guilty person, “You are innocent,” 

will be cursed by people and condemned by nations. 

²⁵But people will be pleased with those who convict a guilty person, 

and a great blessing will come to them. 

²⁶Giving a straight answer is ⸤like⸥ a kiss on the lips. 

²⁷Prepare your work outside, and get things ready for yourself in the field. 

Afterwards, build your house. 

²⁸Do not testify against your neighbor without a reason, 

and do not deceive with your lips. 

²⁹Do not say, 

“I’ll treat him as he treated me. 

I’ll pay him back for what he has done to me.” 

³⁰I passed by a lazy person’s field, 

the vineyard belonging to a person without sense. 

³¹I saw that it was all overgrown with thistles. 

The ground was covered with weeds, 

and its stone fence was torn down. 

³²When I observed ⸤this⸥, I took it to heart. 

I saw it and learned my lesson. 

³³“Just a little sleep, 

just a little slumber, 

just a little nap.” 

³⁴Then your poverty will come like a drifter, 

and your need will come like a bandit.