Proverbs 24:23–34

²³These also are ^asayings of the wise.

To ^1bshow partiality in judgment is not good.

²⁴He ^awho says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”

^bPeoples will curse him, nations will be indignant with him;

²⁵But ^ato those who reprove the wicked, it will be pleasant,

And a good blessing will come upon them.

²⁶He kisses the lips

Who responds with right words.

²⁷Establish your work outside

And ^amake it ready for yourself in the field;

And afterwards, you shall build your house.

²⁸Do not be a ^awitness against your neighbor without cause,

Nor ^bdeceive with your lips.

^29aDo not say, “As he did to me so I shall do to him;

I will ¹render to the man according to his work.”

³⁰I passed by the field of the sluggard

And by the vineyard of the man ^alacking a heart of wisdom,

³¹And behold, it was completely ^1aovergrown with thistles;

^2bNettles have covered its surface,

And its stone ^cwall has been torn down.

³²And I beheld, I set my heart upon it;

I saw, I received discipline.

³³“^aA little sleep, a little slumber,

A little folding of the hands to rest,”

³⁴Then your poverty will come as ¹a robber

And your want like ²an armed man.