Proverbs 24:21-34 ▼

21 My son, fear the LORD and the king; And do not associate with those who are given to change [of allegiance, and are revolutionary],

22 For their tragedy will rise suddenly, And who knows the punishment that both [the LORD and the king] will bring on the rebellious?

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 denounce him;

25 But to those [honorable judges] who rebuke the wicked, it will go well with them and they will find delight, And a good blessing will come upon them.

26 He kisses the lips [and wins the hearts of people] Who gives a right and straightforward answer.

27 Prepare your work outside And get it ready for yourself in the field; Afterward build your house and establish a home.

28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, And do not deceive with your lips [speak neither lies nor half-truths].

29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for his deed.”

30 I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man lacking understanding and common sense;

31 And, behold, it was all overgrown with thorns, And nettles were covering its surface, And its stone wall was broken down.

32 When I saw, I considered it well; I looked and received instruction.

33 “Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest [and daydream],”

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