Proverbs 24:1-14 ▼

1 Do not be envious of men of evil, and do not desire to be with them,

2 for their heart devises violence and their lips speak trouble.

3 By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established,

4 and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious pleasant wealth.

5 A man of wisdom is strong; and a man of knowledge strengthens power;

6 for by wise counsel you can fashion for yourself the battle, and victory is in a multitude counselors.

7 Wisdom is high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth.

8 One planning to do evil, they will call him an owner of schemes.

9 The plotting of foolishness is sin, and an abomination to man is onemocking.

10 If you slacken in the day of distress, then narrow is your strength.

11 Deliver those being led away to death, and those stumbling to the slaughter, if only you would hold back.

12 If you say, “Behold we did not know this,” does not the One weighing hearts Himself know it, and the One watching over your soul Himself know it? And He has rendered to each man according to his work.

13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet upon your palate.

14 Know that wisdom is thus to your soul; if you have found it, then there is a posterity, and your hope will not be cut off.