Proverbs 24:19-34 ▼

19 Do not fret because of evildoers Or be envious of the wicked;

20 For there will be no future for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.

21 My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those who are given to change,

22 For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin [that comes] from both of them?

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

24 He who says to the wicked, |You are righteous,| Peoples will curse him, nations will abhor him;

25 But to those who rebuke the [wicked] will be delight, And a good blessing will come upon them.

26 He kisses the lips Who gives a right answer.

27 Prepare your work outside And make it ready for yourself in the field; Afterwards, then, build your house.

28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, And do not deceive with your lips.

29 Do not say, |Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.|

30 I passed by the field of the sluggard And by the vineyard of the man lacking sense,

31 And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles; Its surface was covered with nettles, And its stone wall was broken down.

32 When I saw, I reflected upon it; I looked, [and] received instruction.

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

34 Then your poverty will come [as] a robber And your want like an armed man.