Proverbs 24:21-34 ▼

21 My son, fear the LORD, as well as the king, and don’t associate with rebels,

22 for destruction will come suddenly from them; who knows what distress these two can bring?

23 These sayings also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.

24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent” — peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him;

25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and a generous blessing will come to them.

26 He who gives an honest answer gives a kiss on the lips.

27 Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field; afterward, build your house.

28 Don’t testify against your neighbor without cause. Don’t deceive with your lips.

29 Don’t say, “I’ll do to him what he did to me; I’ll repay the man for what he has done.”

30 I went by the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of one lacking sense.

31 Thistles had come up everywhere, weeds covered the ground, and the stone wall was ruined.

32 I saw, and took it to heart; I looked, and received instruction:

33 a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest,

34 and your poverty will come like a robber, and your need, like a bandit.