Proverbs 24:23-34

New Life Version

²³ These also are sayings of the wise. It is not good to show favor in judging. ²⁴ He who says to the sinful, “You are right and good,” will be spoken against by people and hated by nations. ²⁵ But those who speak strong words to the sinful will find joy and good will come upon them. ²⁶ To give the right answer is like a kiss on the lips.

²⁷ Get your work done outside. Make your fields ready. Then after that, build your house.

²⁸ Do not speak against your neighbor without a reason, and do not lie with your lips. ²⁹ Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me. I will pay the man for what he has done.”

³⁰ I passed by the field of the lazy man, by the grape-vines of the man without understanding. ³¹ And see, it was all grown over with thorns. The ground was covered with weeds, and its stone wall was broken down. ³² When I saw it, I thought about it. I looked and received teaching. ³³ “A little sleep, a little rest, a little folding of the hands to rest,” ³⁴ and your being poor will come as a robber, and your need like a man ready to fight.