Proverbs 24:1-12 ▼

1 Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them;

2 For their minds plot violence, And their lips talk of trouble [for the innocent].

3 Through [skillful and godly] wisdom a house [a life, a home, a family] is built, And by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation],

4 And by knowledge its rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.

5 A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge strengthens his power;

6 For by wise guidance you can wage your war, And in an abundance of [wise] counselors there is victory and safety.

7 Wisdom is too exalted for a [hardened, arrogant] fool; He does not open his mouth in the gate [where the city’s rulers sit in judgment].

8 He who plans to do evil Will be called a schemer or deviser of evil.

9 The devising of folly is sin, And the scoffer is repulsive to men.

10 If you are slack (careless) in the day of distress, Your strength is limited.

11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death, And those who stagger to the slaughter, Oh hold them back [from their doom]!

12 If you [claim ignorance and] say, “See, we did not know this,” Does He not consider it who weighs and examines the hearts and their motives? And does He not know it who guards your life and keeps your soul? And will He not repay [you and] every man according to his works?