Proverbs 24:23-34
English Standard Version
More Sayings of the Wise
23 These also are sayings of (A)the wise.
(B)Partiality in judging is not good.
24 Whoever (C)says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”
(D)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 Whoever gives an honest answer
kisses the lips.
27 (E)Prepare your work outside;
get everything ready for yourself in the field,
and after that build your house.
28 (F)Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause,
and do not deceive with your lips.
29 Do not say, (G)“I will do to him as he has done to me;
I will pay the man back for what he has done.”
30 (H)I passed by the field of a sluggard,
by the vineyard of a man (I)lacking sense,
31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone (J)wall was broken down.
32 Then I saw and (K)considered it;
I looked and received instruction.
33 (L)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 man.
Proverbs 24:23-34
Holman 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)—
people will curse him,(D) and tribes 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 a man 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,
your need, like a bandit.(I)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.