Proverbs 24:23 - 24:34

These also are sayings of the wise.

To show partiality in judgment is not good.

He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”

Peoples will curse him, nations will be indignant with him;

But to those who reprove the wicked, it will be pleasant,

And a good blessing will come upon them.

He kisses the lips

Who responds with right words.

Establish your work outside

And make it ready for yourself in the field;

And afterwards, you shall build your house.

Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause,

Nor deceive with your lips.

Do not say, “As he did to me so I shall do to him;

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

I passed by the field of the sluggard

And by the vineyard of the man lacking a heart of wisdom,

And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles;

Nettles have covered its surface,

And its stone wall has been torn down.

And I beheld, I set my heart upon it;

I saw, I received discipline.

“A little sleep, a little slumber,

A little folding of the hands to rest,”

Then your poverty will come as a robber

And your want like an armed man.