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23 These also are (A)sayings of the wise.
To [a](B)show partiality in judgment is not good.
24 He (C)who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”
(D)Peoples will curse him, nations will be indignant with him;
25 But (E)to those who reprove the wicked, it will be pleasant,
And a good blessing will come upon them.
26 He kisses the lips
Who responds with right words.

27 Establish your work outside
And (F)make it ready for yourself in the field;
And afterwards, you shall build your house.

28 Do not be a (G)witness against your neighbor without cause,
Nor (H)deceive with your lips.
29 (I)Do not say, “As he did to me so I shall do to him;
I will [b]render to the man according to his work.”

30 I passed by the field of the sluggard
And by the vineyard of the man (J)lacking a heart of wisdom,
31 And behold, it was completely [c](K)overgrown with thistles;
[d](L)Nettles have covered its surface,
And its stone (M)wall has been torn down.
32 And I beheld, I set my heart upon it;
I saw, I received discipline.
33 (N)A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest,”
34 Then your poverty will come as [e]a robber
And your want like [f]an armed man.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 24:23 Lit recognize a face
  2. Proverbs 24:29 Lit bring back
  3. Proverbs 24:31 Lit gone up
  4. Proverbs 24:31 A kind of weed
  5. Proverbs 24:34 Or a vagabond; lit one who walks
  6. Proverbs 24:34 Lit a man with a shield

Further Sayings of the Wise

23 These things also belong to the wise:

(A)It is not good to [a]show partiality in judgment.
24 (B)He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”
Him the people will curse;
Nations will abhor him.
25 But those who rebuke the wicked will have (C)delight,
And a good blessing will come upon them.

26 He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.

27 (D)Prepare your outside work,
Make it fit for yourself in the field;
And afterward build your house.

28 (E)Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause,
[b]For would you deceive with your lips?
29 (F)Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me;
I will render to the man according to his work.”

30 I went by the field of the lazy man,
And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;
31 And there it was, (G)all overgrown with thorns;
Its surface was covered with nettles;
Its stone wall was broken down.
32 When I saw it, I considered it well;
I looked on it and received instruction:
33 (H)A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest;
34 (I)So shall your poverty come like [c]a prowler,
And your need like [d]an armed man.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 24:23 Lit. recognize faces
  2. Proverbs 24:28 LXX, Vg. Do not deceive
  3. Proverbs 24:34 Lit. one who walks about
  4. Proverbs 24:34 Lit. a man with a shield