Proverbs 24:1-34 BSB

[1] Do not envy wicked men or desire their company; [2] for their hearts devise violence, and their lips declare trouble. [3] By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established; [4] through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure. [5] A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength. [6] Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors. [7] Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place. [8] He who plots evil will be called a schemer. [9] A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to men. [10] If you faint in the day of distress, how small is your strength! [11] Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter. [12] If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds? [13] Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste. [14] Know therefore that wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will never be cut off. [15] Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, near the dwelling of the righteous; do not destroy his resting place. [16] For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up; but the wicked stumble in bad times. [17] Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, [18] or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him. [19] Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked. [20] For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished. [21] My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. [22] For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring? [23] These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good. [24] Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”—peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him; [25] but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them. [26] An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips. [27] Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house. [28] Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips. [29] Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.” [30] I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. [31] Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. [32] I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: [33] A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, [34] and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.