Proverbs 24:1-14 ▼

1 Do not envy wicked men or desire their company;

2 for their hearts devise violence, and their lips declare trouble.

3 By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established;

4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.

5 A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.

6 Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.

7 Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place.

8 He who plots evil will be called a schemer.

9 A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to men.

10 If you faint in the day of distress, how small is your strength!

11 Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter.

12 If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds?

13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.

14 Know therefore that wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will never be cut off.