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)
Proverbs 24:23-34
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Further Sayings of the Wise
23 These also are sayings of the wise:
Partiality in judging is not good.(A)
24 Whoever says to the wicked, “You are innocent,”
will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,(B)
25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
and a good blessing will come upon them.(C)
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 neighbor without cause,
and do not deceive with your lips.(D)
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.”(E)
30 I passed by the field of one who was lazy,
by the vineyard of a stupid person,(F)
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,(G)
34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want, like an armed warrior.
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New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.