Proverbs 24:23-34 ▼

23 These also are of the wise ones: The recognizing of faces in giving judgment is not good.

24 One saying to a wicked one, “You are righteous”—peoples will curse him; nations will denounce him;

25 and to those reproving it will be pleasant, and upon them will come a blessing of goodness.

26 The lips he kisses—the one returning straightforward words.

27 Prepare your work in the outdoors, and make it ready in the field for yourself; and afterward you may build your house.

28 You must not be a witness without cause against your neighbor or deceive with your lips.

29 Do not say, “According to what he has done to me, so I will do to him; I will return to the man according to his deed.”

30 Near the field of a lazy man I passed by, and near the vineyard of a man lacking heart.

31 And behold, thorns had come up all over it; its face was covered with nettles, and the wall of its stones was torn down.

32 And I saw—I—I set my heart; I have seen, I have received instruction.

33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little a folding of the hands to rest,

34 and your poverty has come as one traveling, and your needs like a man of shield.