Further Sayings of the Wise

23 These things also belong to the wise:

qIt is not good to 4show partiality in judgment.

24 rHe who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”

Him the people will curse;

Nations will abhor him.

25 But those who rebuke the wicked will have sdelight,

And a good blessing will come upon them.

26 He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.

27 tPrepare your outside work,

Make it fit for yourself in the field;

And afterward build your house.

28 uDo not be a witness against your neighbor without cause,

5For would you deceive with your lips?

29 vDo not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me;

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

30 I went by the field of the lazy man,

And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;

31 And there it was, wall overgrown with thorns;

Its surface was covered with nettles;

Its stone wall was broken down.

32 When I saw it, I considered it well;

I looked on it and received instruction:

33 xA little sleep, a little slumber,

A little folding of the hands to rest;

34 ySo shall your poverty come like 6a prowler,

And your need like 7an armed man.