Further Sayings of the Wise

24:23 These sayings also are from the wise:

To show partiality40 in judgment is terrible:41

24:24 The one who says to the guilty,42 “You are innocent,”43

peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce44 him.

24:25 But there will be delight45 for those who convict46 the guilty,47

and a pleasing blessing48 will come on them.

24:26 Like a kiss on the lips49

is the one who gives an honest answer.

24:27 Establish your work outside and get your fields ready;

afterward build50 your house.51

24:28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause,52

and do not deceive with your words.53

24:29 Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me;

I will pay him back54 according to what he has done.”55

24:30 I passed by the field of a sluggard,

by the vineyard of one who lacks wisdom.56

24:31 I saw57 that thorns had grown up all over it,

the ground58 was covered with weeds,

and its stone wall was broken down.

24:32 When I saw this, I gave careful consideration to it;59

I received instruction from what I saw:60

24:33 “A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to relax,

24:34 and your poverty will come like a bandit,

and your need like an armed robber.”61