Proverbs 24:23-34

Revised Standard Version

Partiality in judging is not good.
²⁴ He who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,”
    will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations;
²⁵ but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
    and a good blessing will be upon them.
²⁶ He who gives a right answer
    kisses the lips.

²⁷ Prepare your work outside,
    get everything ready for you in the field;
    and after that build your house.

²⁸ Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause,
    and do not deceive with your lips.
²⁹ Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;
    I will pay the man back for what he has done.”

³⁰ I passed by the field of a sluggard,
    by the vineyard of a man without sense;
³¹ and lo, 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,
³⁴ and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
    and want like an armed man.