Proverbs 24

1verseDon’t be envious of evil men, neither desire to be with them;

2versefor their hearts plot violence and their lips talk about mischief.

3verseThrough wisdom a house is built; by understanding it is established;

4verseby knowledge the rooms are filled with all rare and beautiful treasure.

5verseA wise man has great power. A knowledgeable man increases strength,

6versefor by wise guidance you wage your war, and victory is in many advisors.

7verseWisdom is too high for a fool. He doesn’t open his mouth in the gate.

8verseOne who plots to do evil will be called a schemer.

9verseThe schemes of folly are sin. The mocker is detested by men.

10verseIf you falter in the time of trouble, your strength is small.

11verseRescue those who are being led away to death! Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter!

12verseIf you say, “Behold, we didn’t know this,” doesn’t he who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, doesn’t he know it? Shall he not give to every man according to his work?

13verseMy son, eat honey, for it is good, the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste;

14verseso you shall know wisdom to be to your soul. If you have found it, then there will be a reward: Your hope will not be cut off.

15verseDon’t lay in wait, wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous. Don’t destroy his resting place;

16versefor a righteous man falls seven times and rises up again, but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.

17verseDon’t rejoice when your enemy falls. Don’t let your heart be glad when he is overthrown,

18verselest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

19verseDon’t fret yourself because of evildoers, neither be envious of the wicked;

20versefor there will be no reward to the evil man. The lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

21verseMy son, fear the LORD and the king. Don’t join those who are rebellious,

22versefor their calamity will rise suddenly. Who knows what destruction may come from them both?

23verseThese also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.

24verseHe who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” peoples will curse him, and nations will abhor him—

25versebut it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and a rich blessing will come on them.

26verseAn honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

27versePrepare your work outside, and get your fields ready. Afterwards, build your house.

28verseDon’t be a witness against your neighbor without cause. Don’t deceive with your lips.

29verseDon’t say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”

30verseI went by the field of the sluggard, by the vineyard of the man void of understanding.

31verseBehold, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.

32verseThen I saw, and considered well. I saw, and received instruction:

33versea little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep,

34verseso your poverty will come as a robber and your want as an armed man.