Proverbs 24:23-34

Lexham English Bible

²³ These sayings are also for the wise:
    Partiality^[a] in judgment is not good.
²⁴ Whoever says to the guilty, “You are righteous,” the people will curse him;
    the nations will abhor him.
²⁵ But they who rebuke will have delight,
    and upon them blessings of goodness will come.
²⁶ He will kiss the lips,
    he who gives an honest answer.
²⁷ Prepare your work in the street and get it ready for yourself in the field;
    afterward, then^[b] you shall build your house.
²⁸ Do not be a witness without cause against your neighbor
    nor deceive with your lips.
²⁹ Do not say, “Just as he has done to me, so shall I do to him;
    I will pay back the man according to his deed.”
³⁰ I passed by the field of a lazy person,
    and over the vineyard of a person lacking sense;^[c]
31 and behold, it was overgrown—all of it was covered with thorns, its surface with nettles,
    and its stone wall^[d] was broken down.
³² Then I myself saw and my heart^[e] considered;
    I looked, and I took hold of instruction:
³³ A little sleep, a little slumber,
    a little folding of the hands for rest,
³⁴ and your poverty will come running,
    and your lack like an armed warrior.