Proverbs 24:17-34 ▼

17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,

18 or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him.

19 Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked.

20 For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.

21 My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.

22 For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring?

23 These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.

24 Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”— peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him;

25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.

26 An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.

27 Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house.

28 Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.

29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”

30 I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment.

31 Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down.

32 I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction:

33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,

34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.