Proverbs 24:21-34 ▼

21 Fear YHWH, my son, and the king, || Do not mix yourself up with changers,

22 For their calamity rises suddenly, || And the ruin of them both—who knows!

23 These are also for the wise: [It] is not good to discern faces in judgment.

24 Whoever is saying to the wicked, “You [are] righteous,” || Peoples execrate him—nations abhor him.

25 And it is pleasant to those reproving, || And a good blessing comes on them.

26 He who is returning straightforward words kisses lips.

27 Prepare your work in an out-place, || And make it ready in the field—go afterward, || Then you have built your house.

28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor for nothing, || Or you have enticed with your lips.

29 Do not say, “As he did to me, so I do to him, || I render to each according to his work.”

30 I passed by near the field of a slothful man, || And near the vineyard of a man lacking heart.

31 And behold, it has gone up—all of it—thorns! Nettles have covered its face, || And its stone wall has been broken down.

32 And I see—I set my heart, || I have seen—I have received instruction,

33 A little sleep—a little slumber—A little folding of the hands to lie down.

34 And your poverty has come [as] a traveler, || And your want as an armed man!