[23] These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good: [24] Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations. [25] But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them. [26] An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. [27] Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house. [28] Do not testify against your neighbor without cause—would you use your lips to mislead? [29] Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.” [30] I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; [31] thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. [32] I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: [33] A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— [34] and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
