Proverbs 24:1-14 ▼

1 My son, envy not bad men, nor desire to be with them.

2 For their heart meditates falsehoods, and their lips speak mischiefs.

3 A house is built by wisdom, and is set up by understanding.

4 By discretion the chambers are filled with all precious and excellent wealth.

5 A wise man is better than a strong man; and a man who has prudence than a large estate.

6 War is carried on with generalship, and aid is supplied to the heart of a counsellor.

7 Wisdom and good understanding are in the gates of the wise: the wise turn not aside from the mouth of the Lord,

8 but deliberate in council. Death befalls uninstructed men .

9 The fools also dies in sins; and uncleanness attaches to a pestilent man.

10 He shall be defiled in the evil day, and in the day of affliction, until he be utterly consumed.

11 Deliver them that are led away to death, and redeem them that are appointed to be slain; spare not thy help .

12 But if thou shouldest say, I know not this man; know that the Lord knows the hearts of all; and he that formed breath for all, he knows all things, who renders to every man according to his works.

13 My son, eat honey, for the honeycomb is good, that thy throat may be sweetened.

14 Thus shalt thou perceive wisdom in thy soul: for if thou find it, thine end shall be good, and hope shall not fail thee.