Proverbs 24:19-34 ▼

19 Do not fret because of evildoers Do not be jealous of the wicked;

20 For there will be no future for the evil one; The lamp of the wicked will go out.

21 My son, fear Yahweh and the king; Do not associate with those who change,

22 For suddenly their disaster will rise, And who knows the upheaval that comes from both of them?

23 These also are sayings of the wise. To show partiality in judgment is not good.

24 He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” Peoples will curse him, nations will be indignant with him;

25 But 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 make it ready for yourself in the field; And afterwards, you shall build your house.

28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, Nor deceive with your lips.

29 Do not say, “As he did to me so I shall do to him; I will render to the man according to his work.”

30 I passed by the field of the sluggard And by the vineyard of the man lacking a heart of wisdom,

31 And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles; Nettles have covered its surface, And its stone wall has been torn down.

32 And I beheld, I set my heart upon it; I saw, I received discipline.

33 “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest,”

34 Then your poverty will come as a robber And your want like an armed man.