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 abhor him;

²⁵But ^ato those who rebuke the wicked will be delight,

And a good blessing will come upon them.

²⁶He kisses the lips

Who gives ¹a right answer.

²⁷Prepare your work outside

And ^amake it ready for yourself in the field;

Afterwards, then, build your house.

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

And ^bdo not deceive with your lips.

^29aDo not say, “Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me;

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 ¹sense,

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

Its surface was covered with ^1bnettles,

And its stone ^cwall was broken down.

³²When I saw, I ¹reflected upon it;

I looked, and received instruction.

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.