Proverbs 24:21-34 ▼

21 My son, fear the LORD and the king. Do not join those who are rebellious:

22 for their calamity will rise suddenly; the destruction from them both--who knows?

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 shall curse him, and nations shall abhor him--

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

26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

27 Prepare your work outside, and get your fields ready. Afterwards, build your house.

28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause. Do not deceive with your lips.

29 Do not say, |I will do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.|

30 I went by the field of the sluggard, by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

31 Look, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.

32 Then I saw, and considered well. I saw, and received instruction:

33 a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep;

34 so your poverty will come as a robber, and your want as an armed man.