Proverbs 24:24-34 ▼

24 Whoever says to the wicked, |You're in the right,| will be cursed by people and hated by nations.

25 But as for people who rebuke the wicked; a good blessing will fall upon them.

26 A kiss on the lips— that's what someone who gives an honest answer deserves.

27 First do your outside work, preparing your land for yourself. After that, build your house.

28 Don't testify against your neighbor without a cause, and don't lie when you speak.

29 Don't say, |I'll do to him like he did to me, I'll be sure to pay him back for what he did.|

30 I went by the field belonging to a lazy man, by a vineyard belonging to a senseless person.

31 There it was, overgrown with thistles, the ground covered with thorns, its stone wall collapsed.

32 As I observed, I thought about it; I watched, and learned a lesson:

33 |A little sleep! A little slumber! A little folding of my hands to rest!|

34 Then your poverty will come upon you like a robber, your need like an armed bandit.