Proverbs 24:23–34

²³These sayings are also for the wise:

Partiality^g in judgment is not good.

²⁴Whoever says to the guilty, “You are righteous,” the people will curse him;

the nations will abhor him.

²⁵But they who rebuke will have delight,

and upon them blessings of goodness will come.

²⁶He will kiss the lips,

he who gives an honest answer.

²⁷Prepare your work in the street and get it ready for yourself in the field;

afterward, then^h you shall build your house.

²⁸Do not be a witness without cause against your neighbor

nor deceive with your lips.

²⁹Do not say, “Just as he has done to me, so shall I do to him;

I will pay back the man according to his deed.”

³⁰I passed by the field of a lazy person,

and over the vineyard of a person lacking sense;ⁱ

³¹and behold, it was overgrown—all of it was covered with thorns, its surface with nettles,

and its stone wall^j was broken down.

³²Then I myself saw and my heart^k considered;

I looked, and I took hold of instruction:

³³A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands for rest,

³⁴and your poverty will come running,

and your lack like an armed warrior.