Proverbs 24:1-34 GNT

[1] Don't be envious of evil people, and don't try to make friends with them. [2] Causing trouble is all they ever think about; every time they open their mouth someone is going to be hurt. [3] Homes are built on the foundation of wisdom and understanding. [4] Where there is knowledge, the rooms are furnished with valuable, beautiful things. [5] Being wise is better than being strong; yes, knowledge is more important than strength. [6] After all, you must make careful plans before you fight a battle, and the more good advice you get, the more likely you are to win. [7] Wise sayings are too deep for stupid people to understand. They have nothing to say when important matters are being discussed. [8] If you are always planning evil, you will earn a reputation as a troublemaker. [9] Any scheme a fool thinks up is sinful. People hate a person who has nothing but scorn for others. [10] If you are weak in a crisis, you are weak indeed. [11] Don't hesitate to rescue someone who is about to be executed unjustly. [12] You may say that it is none of your business, but God knows and judges your motives. He keeps watch on you; he knows. And he will reward you according to what you do. [13] My child, eat honey; it is good. And just as honey from the comb is sweet on your tongue, [14] you may be sure that wisdom is good for the soul. Get wisdom and you have a bright future. [15] Don't be like the wicked who scheme to rob honest people or to take away their homes. [16] No matter how often honest people fall, they always get up again; but disaster destroys the wicked. [17] Don't be glad when your enemies meet disaster, and don't rejoice when they stumble. [18] The LORD will know if you are gloating, and he will not like it; and then maybe he won't punish them. [19] Don't let evil people worry you; don't be envious of them. [20] A wicked person has no future-nothing to look forward to. [21] Have reverence for the LORD, my child, and honor the king. Have nothing to do with people who rebel against them; [22] such people could be ruined in a moment. Do you realize the disaster that God or the king can cause? [23] The wise have also said these things: It is wrong for judges to be prejudiced. [24] If they pronounce a guilty person innocent, they will be cursed and hated by everyone. [25] Judges who punish the guilty, however, will be prosperous and enjoy a good reputation. [26] An honest answer is a sign of true friendship. [27] Don't build your house and establish a home until your fields are ready, and you are sure that you can earn a living. [28] Don't give evidence against others without good reason, or say misleading things about them. [29] Don't say, "I'll do to them just what they did to me! I'll get even with them!" [30] I walked through the fields and vineyards of a lazy, stupid person. [31] They were full of thorn bushes and overgrown with weeds. The stone wall around them had fallen down. [32] I looked at this, thought about it, and learned a lesson from it: [33] Go ahead and take your nap; go ahead and sleep. Fold your hands and rest awhile, [34] but while you are asleep, poverty will attack you like an armed robber.