Proverbs 24:23-34

Christian Standard Bible

²³ These sayings also belong to the wise:^(A)
It is not good to show partiality in judgment.^(B)
24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent”^(C)—
peoples will curse him,^(D) and nations will denounce him;
²⁵ but it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and a generous blessing will come to them.

²⁶ He who gives an honest answer
gives a kiss on the lips.

²⁷ Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field;^(E)
afterward, build your house.

²⁸ Don’t testify against your neighbor without cause.^(F)
Don’t deceive with your lips.
²⁹ Don’t say, “I’ll do to him what he did to me;
I’ll repay the man for what he has done.”^(G)

³⁰ I went by the field of a slacker
and by the vineyard of one lacking sense.
³¹ Thistles had come up everywhere,
weeds covered the ground,^(H)
and the stone wall was ruined.
³² I saw, and took it to heart;
I looked, and received instruction:
³³ a little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the arms to rest,
³⁴ and your poverty will come like a robber,
and your need, like a bandit.^(I)