23 These also are (A)sayings of the wise:
To [a](B)show partiality in judgment is not good.
24 One (C)who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”
(D)Peoples will curse him, nations will scold him;
25 But (E)for those who rebuke the wicked there will be delight,
And a good blessing will come upon them.
26 One who gives [b]a right answer
Kisses the lips.

27 Prepare your work outside,
And (F)make it ready for yourself in the field;
Afterward, then, build your house.

28 Do not be a (G)witness against your neighbor for no reason,
And (H)do not deceive with your lips.
29 (I)Do not say, “I shall do the same to him as he has done to me;
I will [c]repay the person according to his work.”

30 I passed by the field of [d]a lazy one,
And by the vineyard of a person (J)lacking [e]sense,
31 And behold, it was completely (K)overgrown with weeds;
Its surface was covered with (L)weeds,
And its stone (M)wall was broken down.
32 When I saw, I [f]reflected upon it;
I looked, and received instruction.
33 (N)A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest,”
34 Then your poverty will come like [g]a drifter,
And your need like [h]an armed man.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 24:23 Lit regard the face
  2. Proverbs 24:26 Or an honest
  3. Proverbs 24:29 Lit bring back
  4. Proverbs 24:30 Lit an idle
  5. Proverbs 24:30 Lit heart
  6. Proverbs 24:32 Lit set my heart
  7. Proverbs 24:34 Lit one who moves about
  8. 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