Proverbs 24:1-12

New International Version

24 Do not envy^(A) the wicked,
    do not desire their company;
² for their hearts plot violence,^(B)
    and their lips talk about making trouble.^(C)

³ By wisdom a house is built,^(D)
    and through understanding it is established;
⁴ through knowledge its rooms are filled
    with rare and beautiful treasures.^(E)

⁵ The wise prevail through great power,
    and those who have knowledge muster their strength.
⁶ Surely you need guidance to wage war,
    and victory is won through many advisers.^(F)

⁷ Wisdom is too high for fools;
    in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths.

⁸ Whoever plots evil
    will be known as a schemer.
⁹ The schemes of folly are sin,
    and people detest a mocker.

¹⁰ If you falter in a time of trouble,
    how small is your strength!^(G)
11 Rescue those being led away to death;
    hold back those staggering toward slaughter.^(H)
12 If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
    does not he who weighs^(I) the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
    Will he not repay^(J) everyone according to what they have done?^(K)