Proverbs 24:23-34

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition

Partiality in judging is not good.
²⁴ Whoever says to the wicked, ‘You are innocent’,
    will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations;
²⁵ but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
    and a good blessing will come upon them.
²⁶ One who gives an honest answer
    gives a kiss on the lips.

²⁷ Prepare your work outside,
    get everything ready for you in the field;
    and after that build your house.

²⁸ Do not be a witness against your neighbour without cause,
    and do not deceive with your lips.
²⁹ Do not say, ‘I will do to others as they have done to me;
    I will pay them back for what they have done.’

³⁰ I passed by the field of one who was lazy,
    by the vineyard of a stupid person;
³¹ and see, it was all overgrown with thorns;
    the ground was covered with nettles,
    and its stone wall was broken down.
³² Then I saw and considered it;
    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 want, like an armed warrior.